Justice Reinvestment and Supervision Practices
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM CHALLENGE
There is a substantial need for substance use treatment, and barriers
exist to accessing adequate care
POs believe that 75 PERCENT
1,200
1,000
800
of people on probation or parole
have a need for substance use
treatment, and probation and
parole officers indicate long wait
periods to access behavioral health 200
treatment.
600
400
Felony Sentence Events, FY2011-FY2014
Drug 148%
Property 91%
Person 176%
0
2011
2012
2013
2014
Other 24%
A shortage of behavioral health treatment is a factor underpinning many of North
Dakota's criminal justice challenges. This issue has been raised by numerous criminal
justice system stakeholders, including local law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and
defense attorneys. Over a three-year period, from 2011 to 2014, the number of felony
sentences for drug offenses increased two-and-a-half times. In 2014, four out of five
felony drug sentences were for possession.
Council of State Governments Justice Center | 72View entire presentation