The 'Million Dollar Inmate': The Financial and Social Burden of Nonviolent Offenders

(Paperback)

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What kinds of beliefs do most Americans hold about crime and violence, and where do these beliefs come from What kinds of people are sent to prison_are the average inmates dangerous criminals, or are they involved in low-level drug-related, property, or public-order offenses Who is ultimately paying for their time in prison The 'Million Dollar Inmate' highlights the financial and social costs of America's incarceration of non-violent offenders. With its focus on the specific population of non-violent offenders, this book provides a unique, sociological approach to the problem of handling such a large population at such tremendous costs_paid, for the most part, by taxpayers. Basing her insight on extensive research into the origins of America's correctional systems, the visible and non-visible costs incurred by the practice of incarcerating nonviolent offenders, and the goals of the prison system, Heather Ahn-Redding dares to expose flaws in current correctional practices and suggest ways they can be not only changed but also re-envisioned. Ideally suited to researchers, advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and policymakers.

Reviews

The 'Million Dollar Inmate' makes a significant contribution to the field. The main argument of this well-written and engaging book is clear and compelling: We are putting too many nonviolent offenders in prison for too long under destructive conditions that breed antisocial conduct both in prison and when offenders return to the community. We are spending a lot of money, expending and jeopardizing social capital, and getting little or nothing of a positive, tangible nature in return. This thoughtful and thought-provoking book argues persuasively for alternative sanctions that are less costly and destructive for the offender, his loved ones, and society at large. -- Robert Johnson, Professor of Justice, Law and Criminology, American University
Ahn-Redding covers a comprehensive array of topics and subtopics. . . The book has a number of benefits. The undergraduate looking for topics to synthesize will find ample sources in the 30 pages of bibliography. Graduate students and seasoned researchers will also find material to further expound and explore. * Corrections Today, December 2008 *
The 'Million Dollar Inmate' presents a sobering expos of the costs involved in this nation's over-reliance on prison as a punishment for non-violent criminal offenders. Ahn-Redding has utilized a myriad of sources to show that prison is neither effective nor cost-efficient as a deterrent to crime. The book sheds light on all the costs of imprisonment, not just brick-and-mortar and personnel costs, but the collateral and hidden costs of incarcerating over two million people who are, because of their imprisonment, unable to contribute to the economic productivity of their neighborhood, or meet their responsibilities as mothers and fathers, leading to the next generations of 'million dollar inmates.' -- Joycelyn Pollock, Texas State University-San Marcos

Author Bio

Heather Ahn-Redding is assistant professor at High Point University.