During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the current state of inmate populations in correctional facilities, revealing a total of 14,800 offenders housed at the local level and 13,960 in state-operated institutions. This marks a decrease from nine years ago when the numbers were significantly higher, around 17,000 in each category.

Concerns were raised about potential increases in inmate numbers following the implementation of new laws and changes in the judicial system. However, officials indicated that these anticipated changes were not factored into the current budget. The discussion highlighted the hope that judges would now impose more accurate sentencing, allowing for shorter actual time served, which could lead to a reduction in recidivism rates.

Local jail administrators expressed frustration over the previous system, where inmates often served lengthy sentences without access to rehabilitation programs, leading to a cycle of reoffending. The introduction of transitional work programming and reentry centers was suggested as a necessary step to better prepare inmates for reintegration into society.

The meeting also touched on the financial aspects of housing offenders, with local jails costing approximately $26.39 per day per inmate, while state facilities are closer to $80 per day due to specialized services provided.

Looking ahead, officials expect an increase in probationers as the probation period has been extended from three to five years. With around 20,000 inmates currently eligible for parole, the numbers of individuals on probation and parole are projected to rise in the near future.

The meeting concluded with a transition to discussions regarding the Department of Public Safety, which oversees several agencies, including the State Police and the Gaming Control Board, indicating a broad scope of responsibilities in maintaining public safety.