Incarceration is a costly business. Recent studies have revealed just how expensive it is for states and localities to incarcerate men and women (and children) in prisons and jails.

Here is the recent article in The New York Times: Marc Santora, “City’s Annual Cost Per Inmate is $168,000, Study Finds.” (Aug. 23, 2013)

And check out the data and graphs from the Independent Budget Office of the City of New York, which calculated NYC’s cost per inmate:

“Do Courtroom Delays in the Bronx Come at a Cost to the City?” (July 24, 2013) New York City By The Numbers. Independent Budget Office of The City of New York.

“NYC’s Jail Population: Who’s There and Why?”
(Aug. 22, 2013) New York City By The Numbers. Independent Budget Office of The City of New York.

NYC’s Jail Population: Who’s There and Why?

August 22, 2013; New York City By The Numbers

Do Courtroom Delays in the Bronx Come at a Cost to the City?

July 24, 2013; New York City By The Numbers

Of course there are also other costs — hidden economic, health, psychological, social, etc. — that these reports and articles don’t touch on… perhaps someone wants to write a Featured Post?