Ive heard of the cost of prison per inmate to the taxpayers ranging between 25,000$ - 200,000$, but what’s the real average cost for America per inmate? Also, since there are probably many more people in probation than in prison, what’s the cost of probabtion to the taxpayers per year (seeing as you need a probation officer and random drug screenings etc.)?
You’ll have to be more specific. Do you mean federal or state prison? Do you mean maximum or minimum security? What about death row? What state and city are you most interested in?
any or all of those answers I’d like. I’m really looking for state minimum security average statistics, without regard to specific states, so average values are of question. But any specific figures would also be helpful.
here’s a number you can hang your hat on…
Source: Empire Foundation for Policy Research, 301 Hamilton Street, Robinson Square, Albany, NY 12210, (518) 432-4444.