Governor Christie’s proposal to require treatment for certain nonviolent drug offenders is revolutionary and smart crime policy that will save lives, reduce crime and save costs of incarceration, Assemblyman Sean T. Kean said Friday. “As a prosecutor, I have seen the devastating effects of drugs in our society,” Kean, R-Monmouth and Ocean, said. “Prison often perpetuates repeat offenses by non-violent drug offenders. Mandatory treatment is the smarter and more effective approach to saving lives and families shattered by drug abuse.”
Kean said mandatory treatment is not just good social and criminal policy, but would save taxpayers money too, noting that there are 7,000 non-violent offenders in jail right now at a cost of $49,000 each.
“This program will save lives and has the potential to save hundreds of millions of dollars that we spend on jail, which has not rehabilitated repeat offenders,” Kean said.
Kean, a municipal prosecutor who serves on the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee, said he looks forward to working on legislation that will implement the Governor’s proposal, which would make New Jersey the first state to make treatment mandatory, rather than voluntary, for certain offenders.
“Drug courts have dramatically reduced re-arrest rates and Governor Christie’s revolutionary proposal will multiple those results on a broad scale throughout the state,” Kean said. “I am encouraged by the bipartisan support the Governor has received and look forward to implementing this program.” TLS.
This is one of the smartest moves I have seen Gov Christie make. The lives this may save, the money it will save, the room in prisons for the true criminals(violent offenders), so many positive things to come out of this. Kudos Gov and I am not one of your fans but good job with this.