For this knowledge paper, I knew I wanted to discuss the mass incarceration problem in the United States. In this paper, I begin by discussing the tough-on-crime public policies that are a partial cause of mass incarceration as well as the demographic disparities in citizens that are being incarcerated and the effect it has on minority communities. Then, I discuss the possible alternatives to incarceration that communities and police departments can implement to decrease the number of incarcerated citizens. These include things such as implementing sobering centers, decriminalizing personal use of illicit drugs, and redirecting funds toward rehabilitation and reintegration programs. This knowledge paper focuses on the necessary changes that need to be made to the current system in order to help inmates recover and rehabilitate as well as help cut costs by reducing incarceration rates.

Knowledge Paper:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LWx1th1qrbwlXu3W3J-cY0o-oyZ9JMNUAJeZM0BY9V8/edit?usp=sharing

Presentation: