Some states have implemented policies to reduce criminal justice costs by reserving prison beds for the most dangerous criminals and using intermediate sanctions for non-violent offenders. By 2015, Florida's prison population is expected to grow to over 115,000 inmates, which would require building nine new prisons at a cost of over $862 million.
The Legislature could consider creating pilot programs to use intermediate sanctions for some non-violent offenders. These programs could produce significant cost savings by diverting some low-risk offenders to alternatives such as community supervision with electronic monitoring, probation and restitution centers, day reporting centers, and community residential substance abuse treatment.

Expansion Drug Courts Can Produce Positive Outcomes Through Prison Diversion and Reduced Recidivism
Report 14-02 January 2014
Expansion Drug Courts Serving More Prison-Bound Offenders, but Will Not Fully Expend Federal Funds
Report 11-21 November 2011
Without Changes, Expansion Drug Courts Unlikely to Realize Expected Cost Savings
Report 10-54 October 2010
Electronic Monitoring Should Be Better Targeted to the Most Dangerous Offenders
Report 05-19 April 2005

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.