It's More Expensive to Do Nothing

2010
1h

YOUR RATING

It's More Expensive to Do Nothing (2010)

In recent decades, the population of American prisons has risen precipitously, and along with it the economic burden on society. What is lost in this zeal for incarceration is a grasp of the social and financial advantages of remediation, a disconnect that fails not just offenders in need of rehabilitation but also the communities that rely on lawmakers to keep them safe. The math is staggeringly simple: It will cost $75,000 year if a nonviolent offender returns to prison, whereas $5,000 a year will help that individual lead a productive life outside.

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It's More Expensive To Do Nothing brings us into the dark and often forgotten world of criminal justice. Those who suffer the cycles of institutionalization, the complexities of implementing... Read allIt's More Expensive To Do Nothing brings us into the dark and often forgotten world of criminal justice. Those who suffer the cycles of institutionalization, the complexities of implementing remediation and the programs that have worked to make life after prison possible. Award w... Read allIt's More Expensive To Do Nothing brings us into the dark and often forgotten world of criminal justice. Those who suffer the cycles of institutionalization, the complexities of implementing remediation and the programs that have worked to make life after prison possible. Award winning director Alan Swyer and Humane Exposures films, bring together a compelling range o... Read all

Director
- Alan Swyer
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

YOUR RATING

Director
- Alan Swyer
Stars

1User review

See production info at IMDbPro

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Trailer 2:14

It's More Expensive To Do Nothing

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User reviews1

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10emk92y

Wow!

An incredible look at an enlightened program in San Diego, California that attempted to deal with chronic criminality in the same way as one would deal with a chronic illness. Crossing both ends of the political system, this film shows that helping prisoners, rather than simply warehousing them, is the only sensible approach. Given that 40% of all prisoners cannot read at a 4th grade level, have no job skills, and have substance abuse problems, remediation becomes far more important than punishment. At a time when each the cost of each prisoner per year is over $50,000, preparing prisoners for a second chance saves money, while also reducing policing and court costs. Plus ex-cons become contributing members of the community and even tax payers, which makes the world both safer and better. This film is a must see!