This policy brief presents data on the makeup of the Erie County jail population, which has reduced by 48% since 2017. It examines the capacity of both jails and determines that one jail could be closed, with savings redirected to other community-based harm reduction services.

The brief compares Erie County spending on jails with spending on mental and public health, and makes recommendations for County leaders to further reduce the jail population, capture the savings of decarceration, and solicit public input into the jail closure process. 

This policy brief was drafted by Colleen Kristich, LMSW, a Community Researcher at Partnership for Public Good.

Read the brief here and share the following image series on Facebook.