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Did You Know? Imprisonment Costs 8 times More Than Supervision

According to this infographic, it costs roughly eight times more to imprison or detain a federal defendant than it does to place them under community supervision.

The data is based on annualized averages for fiscal year 2014 and was provided by the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the AO.

Judges are required to consider the cost of custody and supervision when determining the amount and payment terms of any fine to be imposed. However, since each sentencing option has strengths and weaknesses, courts often use the various options in conjunction with each other.  Further, probation and pretrial services offices employ various policies and procedures to focus on the highest risk defendants and offenders so as to maximize protection of the public.

Related Topics: Probation and Pretrial Services