The State of Pennsylvania’s Corrections Secretary John Wetzel has been at the job for less than a year, but he has already begun transforming Pennsylvania corrections.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting on the way Secretary Wetzel has increased the focus on research and evidenced-based corrections reforms. Such research can provide the tools formulate the best programs to reduce recidivism rates and costs while increasing outcomes for prisoners and taxpayers alike.
For example, Pennsylvania is currently studying therapeutic treatment, community corrections risk factors, and female inmates with dual diagnoses of mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. The results of these studies can help policy makers develop programs that cut costs while ensuring effective treatment. They can also help policy makers rule out methods that are ineffective.
Right on Crime strongly supports using evidence-based programs in adult and juvenile justice systems because they ensure maximum returns on taxpayer investments in public safety and corrections.