If Drug Treatment Works so Well, Why are so Many Drug Users in Prison?
70 Pages Posted: 7 Feb 2011 Last revised: 19 Sep 2024
Date Written: January 2011
Abstract
This paper examines the effectiveness of drug courts to reduce the size of the incarcerated drug-offending population using data from the Survey of Inmates in State Correctional Facilities and the Survey of Inmates in Local Jails. We find that very few of those entering state prison in 2004 or jail in 2002 would have been eligible for drug diversion through state drug courts. The policy implication is that drug courts and other diversion programs require substantial redesign if they are to contribute to a reduction in the incarcerated population.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Pollack, Harold A. and Reuter, Peter H. and Sevigny, Eric L, If Drug Treatment Works so Well, Why are so Many Drug Users in Prison? (January 2011). NBER Working Paper No. w16731, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1755449
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