Reality Dose #1: The True Cost of Short-Term Incarceration
In this introductory episode of Justice Voices, founder and host David Risley—a former career federal prosecutor and former Director of Public Safety Policy in the Illinois Governor’s office—shares three critical insights into our criminal justice system. First, prisons excel primarily at one function: incapacitating dangerous criminals. However, in fiscal year 2018, half the Illinois prison population served sentences of eight months or less. Furthermore, each inmate cost taxpayers nearly $70,000 annually. Instead of spending this enormous sum on incarcerating low-level, non-dangerous offenders, communities could redirect these funds toward effective local solutions.
Reality Dose #2: The Costly Cycle of Recidivism
Second, 43% of individuals released from Illinois prisons return within three years. Although this recidivism rate is below the national average, each event costs over $150,000. Rather than continuing this expensive cycle, communities should invest in evidence-based prison programs and robust local reentry support systems. These local resources help returning citizens reintegrate successfully into society and avoid criminal behaviors.
Shifting from Punishment to Problem-Solving
Third, Risley emphasizes the urgent need to shift our criminal justice approach from a punishment paradigm to a problem-solving paradigm. After leaving his role in the Illinois Governor’s office, he concluded that changing public opinion is essential for policy reform. Importantly, the most persuasive tool for shifting opinion is storytelling—real-life narratives from people directly impacted by crime and the criminal justice system.
The Power of Personal Stories
Justice Voices is dedicated to amplifying these critical voices. Personal stories illustrate realities more vividly and convincingly than facts and figures alone. Moreover, these narratives touch hearts as well as minds. Ultimately, this podcast exists to share stories that must be heard, raising awareness and driving meaningful change in our criminal justice system.
Justice Voices website: https://justicevoices.org
David Risley’s background: https://david-risley.comFinal Report of the Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform (Parts I & II) December 2016: https://www.icjia.org/cjreform2015/index.html
Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council: https://spac.illinois.gov/
David E. Risley
David E. Risley–Making democracy workDavid E. Risley professional website. Expert in Egyptian judiciary, Egypt legal system, Egypt law, Iraqi High Tribunal, Marsh Arabs of Iraq, rule of law, judicial training, prosecutor training, national security law, international humanitarian law, and developing core institutions of democracy.
Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing ReformWelcome to the Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing ReformThe Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform
spac.illinois.govSPAC | Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory CouncilThe Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council (SPAC) was created to more accurately determine the consequences of sentencing policy decisions.
