The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute reports 77% of Hoosier jails are considered overcrowded or at capacity. This legislative session, I am co-authoring a proposal for a new law to help reduce local jail overcrowding by providing judicial flexibility so all felony offenders can be sent to the Indiana Department of Correction.
In Indiana, many felonies are substance-related. According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, four of the top 10 felony filings are substance-related, like drug possession or operating while intoxicated. At the DOC, they offer solution-based programming to help break down barriers to successful re-entry into society. DOC programming includes education, employment/vocational, apprenticeship opportunities, reformative programming and addiction recovery services.
With the county jail population strongly connected to drug-related offenses, providing treatment to incarcerated felons would help reduce overall crime in our communities and lower recidivism rates.
Overcrowded jails also strain local police department resources. Many police departments face rising costs and limited resources. By helping to alleviate jail overcrowding, resources could be better directed to where they matter most – keeping us safe.
As your state representative, I remain committed to supporting public safety efforts in Hancock and Madison counties, and the men and women who serve to protect us. House Bill 1004, which received bipartisan support in the Indiana House of Representatives, is now with the Senate for consideration. To learn more and follow the legislation through the process, visit iga.in.gov.
Rep. Bob Cherry, R-Greenfield, represents most of Hancock County in the Indiana House of Representatives.
