War on Drugs and Prison Overcrowding Analysis Essay Example for Free

War on Drugs and Prison Overcrowding Analysis Essay The war on drugs is not just a catch phrase; it is a current way of life for everyone involved in our criminal justice system. It does not mean the elimination of drugs, nor is it about decreasing drug use or drug supplies. It is just about control and money, thus leading to higher prison rates and overcrowding. There are millions of offenders who are being caught, arrested and jailed based on mandatory minimum sentencing for each particular state. Whether they have a drug related charge, or a crime related charge, these minimum sentencings are providing profits to more privatized prison corporations where everyone in society plays a particular role. Advocates of social justice might be concerned with incarceration rates that show racial differences while the financially conservative taxpayer would be worried about the costs (The Cost of a Nation of Incarceration, 2012).† It is apparent that our states legislature needs new ideas and solutions in order to prevail, considering that they have the ability to make or break policy changes. The causes of what makes up our American prison system are known, however there aren’t many solutions for decreasing the costs being placed on our nation’s taxpayers. This writer has come up with three possible solutions to this answer. The first solution is to release first time and or non-violent offenders on the basis that they will serve a reasonable amount of time conducting community service. This idea can shorten prison sentences as well as the costs. The second solution is to shorten or lower sentences for less severe violent crimes so that the offender doesn’t become a long term prisoner or â€Å"lifer.† The third solution is to transfer inmates with mental illnesses over to a reasonable mental health institute. By implementing these solutions we can see a decrease in the prison popul ation with hardly any extra cost to us, the tax payers.