MONTPELIER, Vt. -
A new report from the Pew Center shows that Vermont's prison population is down.
"Vermont's successful efforts to keep nonviolent offenders out of expensive jail cells, keep our communities safe, and help control the growing recidivism rate have saved taxpayers money and enabled inmates to build successful lives outside of jail," said Gov. Shumlin said in a press release. "My thanks to the Council of State Governments, the Pew Center on the States and Bureau of Justice Assistance for their help in focusing on this problem and enabling Vermont to stem the growing crisis in corrections."
The number of prisoners being housed by the state dropped by more than 140 since 2008, this equals to a little over 2,000 people behind bars.
"Using data and working across the aisle, we sought a smarter approach to public safety," said Corrections Commissioner Andy Pallito. "As a result, we've saved the state millions of dollars and fewer people are in prison than there were in 2007. And, most importantly, our state is safer."
The press release reports the state saved nearly $20 million.
Vermont's crime rate also dropped by 5% across the state.
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