With Florida’s prison population continuing to rise despite the decline in crime rates, a statewide tax advocacy group is making a suggestion on how to make more room: Release elderly prisoners.
Florida TaxWatch has released a report in aging prisoners, warning that the steadily growing elderly prison population in state facilities will require more costly medical care, resulting in additional budget concerns for an already struggling state Department of Corrections.
“Community safety is the first thing to consider when addressing criminal justice reform, but Florida has options to reduce costs and actually improve public safety,” said Dominic Calabro, president and chief executive of Florida TaxWatch, in a release. “Florida taxpayers and policymakers must understand the rapidly incurring costs that accompany aging prisoners so that smart policies can be pursued that prevent either ballooning costs or quick fixes to jeopardize the safety and security of Florida citizens.”
The group’s analysis estimates that by the end of next year, nearly 4,100 additional prisoners will join the ranks of the elderly, bringing the total to nearly 25,000. The average health care costs for each of these prisoners are estimated to be $11,000.
The report suggests the state consider clemency or early release for elderly non-violent offenders who are nearing release dates, or are requiring end-of-life care.
“Understanding the future obligations Florida taxpayers will have for the criminal justice system will ensure our policymakers are prepared to budget for corrections costs,” Calabro said.
The group also is recommending reporting requirements for elderly prisoners’ health care costs, and the projections of elderly prison growth.
