Room for Debate: Would We Be Safer if Fewer Were Jailed?

Keep Out of Jail Those Who Don't Need to Be There

Julia M. Stasch, MacArthur Foundation

Jail is now for those who can't afford bail. Programs can provide services to end unnecessary jail stays and strengthen public safety.

Stop Placing the Mentally Ill in Jails

Nicholas Turner, Vera Institute of Justice

Divert those with mental health problems from jail, where their conditions are worsened by abuse, medical neglect and solitary confinement.

Local Jails Are an Important Part of the Penal System

Kent Scheidegger, Criminal Justice Legal Foundation

At the low end are the alternatives to incarceration, at the upper end is state prison, and county jail is in the crucial middle.

Reducing Inmates Can Reduce Crime

Marc A. Levin, Right on Crime

Incarceration can lead to more incarceration. Courts must use actuarial risk assessments to determine who should be released pretrial.

Make Justice Jails' Prime Purpose

Glenn E. Martin, JustLeadershipUSA

Jails have become the easy solution for the problems of addiction, poverty, mental illness, rather than instruments of justice.

Solutions Can Have Unintended Consequences

Malcolm M. Feeley, law professor

Violating a condition of pretrial release may be treated more seriously than the initial charge.