During a recent government meeting, officials discussed pressing issues surrounding the aging offender population and the challenges faced by the state's prison system. The average age of offenders is now 40 years, with many entering the system with undiagnosed medical conditions. On average, facilities conduct approximately 70 medical appointments daily, excluding traditional sick calls and outside medical appointments. The system also administers over 100,000 prescriptions monthly, highlighting the healthcare demands of an increasingly older inmate population.

The meeting revealed that the average sentence length for offenders has risen to 32 years, with a significant portion of the population—around 75%—classified as violent offenders. This trend has prompted judges to utilize diversionary programs more frequently, but the severity of crimes often leaves them with no choice but to impose lengthy sentences.

Officials noted that the state's prison facilities, many of which are over 30 years old, are not equipped to handle the current inmate demographics. The aging infrastructure poses significant challenges, as older facilities were not designed for the violent offenders prevalent today. The discussion included the need for upgrades and the potential for new construction, although it was acknowledged that previous criminal justice reforms have helped manage prison populations without expanding capacity.

The meeting also touched on the strategic management of violent offenders within the prison system. While some facilities are designated for close security, officials explained that they also spread out violent offenders across various facilities based on behavior and disciplinary history. This approach aims to create a more positive environment within prisons, allowing for the possibility of rehabilitation.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of managing an aging and increasingly violent offender population, the need for infrastructure improvements, and the ongoing efforts to balance security with rehabilitation within the state's correctional facilities.