Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

The Department of Corrections is introducing legislation that would allow prisoners to earn an early release before serving the majority of their sentence — if they follow an individual rehabilitation plan. 

In an interview with MPR News host Angela Davis, Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell says the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act could dramatically transform incarceration by shifting focus from the time prisoners spend in the correction system to what they do with that time. 

Under the proposal, prisoners would receive assessments and services ranging from substance abuse counseling to vocational training. Prisoners who follow their plans would be eligible for release after serving half their sentences and also be eligible for fewer months of supervision if they continue to follow program goals after release. 

The Department of Corrections estimates these changes would save $10 million per year, money which would go toward increased services for victims, crime prevention and intervention, community-based correctional programs and the state’s general fund.

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on:

Crime, Law and Justice

Shows

MPR News with Angela Davis

Host

Author

Host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell about a new plan to shift the focus from how much time people spend in prison to how they spend that time.

MPR News with Angela Davis - Host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell about a new plan to shift the focus from how much time people spend in prison to how they spend that time.

MPR News with Angela Davis - A proposal to let prisoners earn early release

A corrections officer enters a building inside of Stillwater prison. 

Corrections Commissioner Schnell on why Minnesota should consider more early release

Go Deeper.

Like this?