Violent crime in the greater Tampa Bay region has decreased over 20% in the past five years.
Despite this drop in crime, incarceration rates remain the same, according to a report from the Florida Policy Project. That’s because the same people keep cycling through prison.
Former state Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) is the founder of Florida Policy Project. He said the reports provide state lawmakers the easiest ways and “best practices” to improve the criminal justice system.
The group’s research found 90% of the 82,000 inmates in Florida’s prisons will eventually return to communities.
“(The recommendations) would ultimately increase public safety, reduce costs, and allow us to spend more money on the issues that truly reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for everybody,” Brandes said.