Based on Scientific Research, Does Montana NEED More Prison Cells or More Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Parenting, and Relationship Education and Training?

Yes, Montana's recidivism rate has changed over the years, generally showing a slight tendency towards reduction in the recent past. However, the changes are not dramatic, and there are fluctuations from year to year. Montana's recidivism rate for the FY19 cohort was 36.8%, lower than the national average of 44%. We know the definition of Insanity is: Doing the same action over and over and Expecting different results – if recidivism has not changed THEN why does Montana want to keep building cells when Montana knows the results have not changed? Nationally the move is towards substance abuse & mental illness courts and other immediate treatment programs, before the judge even hands down a sentence. Each Montanan, including children and non-taxpayers, would pay 251 dollars a year per inmate. Montana has an incarceration rate of 758 per 100,000 people. This means that Montana locks up a higher percentage of its population than any other independent democratic country on Earth, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (https://www.prisonpolicy.org/profiles/MT.html) Approximately two in five incarcerated individuals, meaning about 40%, have a history of mental illness. This prevalence is twice the rate of mental illness within the general adult population. Specific studies indicate that around 37% of those in state and federal prisons, and 44% of those in local jails, have a history of mental illness. Additionally, some studies indicate that a significant portion, over 70%, of incarcerated individuals may have a diagnosed mental illness or substance use disorder, or both The substantial prison population in the United States is strongly connected to drug-related offenses. While the exact rates of inmates with substance use disorders (SUDs) is difficult to measure, some research shows that an estimated 65% percent of the United States prison population has an active SUD. Another 20% percent did not meet the official criteria for an SUD, but were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their crime. (https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/criminal-justice) Montana's recidivism rate, defined as returning to prison within three years of release, is approximately 36% to 38%. This rate has remained relatively consistent in recent years, fluctuating slightly from year to year Recidivism Rate: Montana's recidivism rate, as reported by the Montana Department of Corrections, is in the range of 36% to 38%. National Average: The national recidivism rate is approximately 44%, indicating that a higher percentage of individuals released from prison are rearrested or re-incarcerated within a certain timeframe, according to data from the Montana Department of Corrections. Montana's recidivism rate is around 36-38%, which is below the national average of 44%. This means a lower percentage of released offenders in Montana return to prison compared to the national average. However, Montana does have a higher incarceration rate than many other states. Montana's sex offender recidivism rate varies depending on the specific timeframe and type of sex offense. The general recidivism rate in Montana is around 36% to 38%, but sexual recidivism rates are generally lower than overall recidivism rates, ranging from 5% after 3 years to 24% after 15 years Mentally ill offenders, particularly those with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, have higher recidivism rates compared to the general offender population. Studies indicate that individuals with any psychiatric disorder are more likely to reoffend compared to those without a disorder.