cost of incarceration

The cost of incarceration refers to the financial expenses associated with incarcerating individuals in prisons or jails. This includes expenses for housing, feeding, clothing, and medical care for inmates, as well as staff salaries, facility maintenance, and security. These costs can be substantial, often funded by taxpayer dollars. High incarceration rates can strain public budgets, divert funds from other services like education or healthcare, and have broader economic impacts. Understanding these costs highlights the importance of effective crime prevention and criminal justice strategies that balance public safety with fiscal responsibility.