Michigan

In Michigan, one of every five state dollars is spent on corrections. While policymakers look for ways to contain the high costs of corrections, victims, law enforcement, and prosecutors have urged caution against letting fiscal concerns trump efforts to reduce crime and protect the public. Everyone seems to agree, however, that the state should be getting a much greater return on the significant investments taxpayers currently make in the criminal justice system.

From 2013 to 2014, the CSG Justice Center worked with Michigan state leaders to study the state’s felony sentencing system for its impacts on public safety, recidivism trends, and state and local spending. CSG Justice Center staff analyzed data and interviewed stakeholders from across the criminal justice system. In a report to the Michigan Law Revision Commission (MLRC), a bipartisan group of legislators and public members, the CSG Justice Center presented analyses and policy areas for further development.

The state enacted legislation to establish a structure for continual analysis of Michigan’s sentencing practices and justice system by establishing a Criminal Justice Policy Commission and concentrated community corrections funding on programs proven to reduce recidivism.