Capps' analysis of parole-eligible prisoners:

The Report: "The high cost of denying parole: an analysis of prisoners eligible for release."

Executive Summary

The Report in 3 parts (for easier downloading):

Part I Part II Part III

News Release: "Data analysis of parole-eligible prisoners shows increased parole denials not cost-effective"

News Coverage

Detroit News: "Michigan pays millions for parole delays", Dec. 30, 2003  "Parole Board takes tough stance with 2 felons", Dec. 30, 2003 Editorial: "Release More Prisoners and Save Millions for State, Jan. 4, 2004 "Michigan could free inmates to save cash; As many as 17,000 could be paroled; critics warn of public safety concerns", Nov. 9, 2003 Editorial: "Do all of the prisoners (Michigan) is now housing at a cost of $29,000 each need to be behind bars?", Nov. 11, 2003

More news coverage

"State should consider freeing some prisoners."

"If you Ask Me"
Flint Journal,
Feb. 8, 2004

"The Legislature should enact a general right to parole for inmates who have served their time and served it well.  Parole board members still could -- and should -- deny paroles, but they ought to justify their denials, citing serious misconduct in prison or some other compelling reason.  Denials should be subject to outside review."

"Parole Policy"
Detroit Free Press editorial, Jan. 27, 2004

"Are we going to commit a growing chunk of tax money to imprisoning people, even at the expense of other public services."

"On Parole: State won't sustain current course"
Lansing State Journal Editorial,
Jan. 1, 2004

". . . the legislature must make sure the Parole Board understands that, in general, inmates who have served their sentences, maintained good conduct records and completed recommended programs should be released."

"Prison Time: safe and timely releases can save millions"
Detroit Free Press Editorial, Nov. 15, 2003

"As lawmakers cast about for ways to address the state's $900 million budget deficit, eyes should fall on one of the state's biggest spenders -- the Department of Corrections."

"Parole $$: In budget squeeze, lawmakers must review prison population"
Lansing State Journal Editorial
Oct. 17, 2003

"Given the crisis with the state budget, it is notable that this issue was not brought to the fore by government. Rather, the Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending obtained the MDOC prisoner database by the Freedom of Information Act, crunched the numbers and pointed out some problems."

"Packed prisons costly for Michigan taxpayers"
Jackson Citizen Patriot Editorial
Nov. 16, 2003

"So-called parolable lifers like Wilson fall into a category of inmates whose threat to society doesn't justify the $20,000 annual cost of keeping them behind bars.  Unless, that is, the purpose is punishment, not public safety."

"Column: State's prison policy locks up lots of cash"
Column: State's prison policy locks up lots of Cash by Peter Luke of Booth Newspapers
Nov. 16, 2003