Requiring swift, consistent punishment for breaking probation rules will cut drug use, crime, and prison costs. 

When offenders break the rules of their supervision, probation agencies too often allow them to walk free rather than mete out swift, consistent punishment.  The penalties delivered after accumulated offenses tend to be lengthy and expensive terms of imprisonment. 

The HOPE probation program in Hawaii has modeled a different method, though, and achieved remarkable success. 

Hawaii’s HOPE program requires short jail stays immediately after rule violations – such as illegal drug use and missing probation appointments, treatment, and drug tests.  This has cut missed appointments by eighty five percent and positive drug tests by ninety one percent, according to a Pepperdine University study.  And, HOPE probationers have had arrest rates three times lower than a comparison group.   

Now, HR 4055, sponsored by Rep. Adam Schiff and Rep. Ted Poe, will make it possible for other communities to have similar success in cutting drug use, crime, and the cost of incarceration. The bill, introduced on November 6 and currently in the House Judiciary Committee, authorizes federal grants for state and local jurisdictions to establish their own HOPE programs.

Write your Members of Congress today and ask them to support HR 4055!  Our Legislative Action Center has a sample letter you can use, but feel free to write a letter in your own words.  Your voice will encourage Congress to reform our system so that it fosters healthy and safe neighborhoods!