A Time For Change: Proposed Solutions
The discrimination faced by Latinos in the Justice System needs to stop. It is time for the United States to make changes to its policies and programs to better assist minorities. Implementing constructive changes to the justice system is crucial to the future success of Latinos in the United States.
Justice System Changes
It is necessary for the judiciary system to employ qualified people who are able to communicate with Spanish speaking Latinos. Sufficient government funds should be available to ensure equal justice for all races and ethnicities in the justice system. Having a cultural knowledge and respect for the Latino community will ensure better legal services. Racial profiling can be prevented by eliminating laws that target people from certain areas or racial backgrounds. Additionally, having more Latinos serve as police officers would cut down on racial profiling and instances of Latinos being targeted by police. Having more Latino police officers would also help to foster stronger relationships between Latino communities and the U.S. Justice system.Cost Efficient Rehabilitation Programs
Jail is not always an effective solution to an incarcerated Latino’s problems. It is important for Latinos to receive proper training and rehabilitation so that they can rejoin society as positive role models and leaders to their families and community. As previously mentioned, Latinos are disproportionately charged with drug offenses. As a result of this, an increasing number of Latinos are being put in jail for low-level, nonviolent drug offenses. Yet, out of all racial and ethnic groups, Latinos are the least likely to be given the opportunity to participate in drug treatment programs. 38However, research has shown that drug treatment programs are less costly and more effective than serving jail time for low-level, nonviolent drug offenders. The annual cost per person in a federal or state prison averages out to be around $24,000. However, most drug treatment programs only cost around $4000 per year to treat one person. 39 Texas realized cost savings of $29.9 million as a result of putting prison bound drug offenders into a state drug program. Additionally, a study by the Rand Corporation found that for every dollar spent on drug and alcohol treatment, a state can save $7 in reduced crime costs. 40 Not only are drug treatment programs less expensive, they also prove to successfully rehabilitate drug offenders. It has been shown that a drug offender placed in a rehabilitation program is less likely to relapse than an offender placed in jail. 41
Community Effort: What You Can do to Help
The biased extreme sentencing that often results in Latino trials can be avoided by eliminating the negative stereotypes of Latinos via public awareness and education. Community members should make an effort to educate and spread awareness about the unfair treatment of Latinos in the justice system. A community should also organize and elect congressional leaders who promise to advocate for fair and accessible treatment of Latinos in the justice system. There should also be a push to implement low cost and highly effective rehabilitation programs as an alternative to jail time.Prison Outreach Programs
While all of these solutions are important to helping the Latino community fight discrimination in the U.S. Justice System, there are programs that can help Latinos on a more personal basis. Programs like the Prison Creative Arts Project at the University of Michigan also work to strengthen community bonds. Programs like this can help to rehabilitate incarcerated individuals. This project helps prisoners develop portfolios that they can show the parole board, judges and future employers. Supporting programs like this through volunteering can be a great way of getting involved at a grass roots level.
"Be The Change You Want To See In The World"
-Mahatma Gandhi
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