The savings to the state due to the reduction in crime during the �Three Strikes� era is between $5.8 billion and $15.5 billion.
Conclusion
The impact of �Three Strikes� on the crime rate has been swift and dramatic. The crime rate has dropped more than 30% since its enactment. The entire drop in crime may not be attributed solely to �Three Strikes.� Factors such as community-oriented-policing and crime prevention must also be considered. However, the statistics show a significant correlation between �Three Strikes� and the lower crime rate.
What is clear is that other predictions, such as overburdened jail and prison facilities have not come true. Will the correctional facilities reach an overflow point? It is difficult to determine.
However, the overall savings for the state are staggering -- between $5.8 billion and $15.5 billion, especially when compared to the less than $22,000 per year to house a serious felon.42 But the cost of unsaved lives is immeasurable.
To continue to ask the question, �Can California afford �Three Strikes?�� is to ask the wrong question. The real question has become �Can California afford not to have �Three Strikes And You�re Out?��
42California Department of Corrections - Inmate Costs 1997-98; February 17, 1998.
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