Costs of Incarcerating Elderly Inmates

The cost to incarcerate offenders when compared to community supervision alternatives is significantly higher. This is especially true for elderly inmates, which are a growing segment of the incarceration population as a result of stricter sentencing approaches.

In your initial response, identify and discuss costs that are specifically associated with the incarceration of elderly inmates. Next, keeping in mind existing legal mandates with respect to the rights of inmates (e.g., right to medical care, basic needs, etc.), propose at a possible approach for controlling the rising costs of incarcerating elderly inmates.

In your response posts to classmates, evaluate the approach proposed by the classmate for controlling the rising costs of incarcerating elderly inmates. As part of your evaluation, consider whether or not it complies with your understanding of legal mandates related to inmate rights and whether you believe it would truly reduce the costs associated with incarcerating this group of inmates.

Initial posts must be a minimum of 500 words not counting the repeating of the question or reference list, and incorporate material from at least two (2) cited sources.