A time for reform: We need a commission to modernize Florida’s prisons | Opinion

Florida stands at a critical juncture. In 2022, the Florida Department of Management Services selected global consulting firm KPMG to produce a 20-year master plan for the Florida Department of Corrections. The report, finalized in late 2023, underscores a looming crisis within our prison system — a crisis marked by aging infrastructure, staffing shortages and a projected increase in the inmate population. This is not a distant problem of tomorrow; it is today’s urgent challenge.

The report lays bare the immediate need for a staggering $2.2 billion investment in critical infrastructure to stave off this looming crisis. Yet, in stark contrast, the Legislature has allocated only $100 million toward these needs — less than 5% of what is immediately required. This disparity highlights the magnitude of the problem and the inadequacy of our current response.

In light of these findings, I am calling for the establishment of a commission to develop a long-term plan for modernizing Florida’s prison system. This is not merely a recommendation but a plea for action grounded in the understanding that the cost of inaction far exceeds the financial figures.

The report details the dire condition of over a third of our correctional facilities and points to a future where our ability to ensure safety and security is compromised. Staffing shortages, with vacancy rates as high as 72% in some facilities and a turnover rate approaching 30%, compound this situation, making it increasingly difficult to manage and rehabilitate those in our care.

The status quo is unsustainable. Our prisons, primarily located in rural North Florida, face severe challenges in attracting the necessary medical and correctional staff. This is not just a matter of logistics but of human dignity and the reduction of future crime through effective rehabilitation of inmates, many of whom are aging and require more specialized medical care.

Moreover, closing and constructing new prisons carries significant implications for the communities involved. This transition necessitates a thoughtful and transparent dialogue, focusing on the impact of closures in rural Florida and the positive impact on families being closer to their loved ones. The relocation and modernization of facilities must consider the social and economic repercussions on local communities while recognizing the benefits of enabling inmates to maintain stronger family connections. These considerations are crucial for a comprehensive approach to prison reform that addresses both community well-being and inmate rehabilitation.

The KPMG report offers a roadmap through its “Modernize, Manage and Mitigate” strategies.

The “modernize” option presents a comprehensive approach to addressing current and future challenges. This strategy, however, comes with a significant price tag — $11.9 billion over 20 years. While daunting, this investment pales in comparison to the cost of continued neglect, both in financial terms and in human toll.

This is why the formation of a dedicated commission is crucial. Such a body, composed of experts, stakeholders, and policymakers, would not only bring focused attention to these challenges but also work toward actionable solutions and the oversight of implementing these strategies. It’s about creating a system that is sustainable and aligned with our values of justice, rehabilitation and public safety.

The call for reform is not new. Yet, the KPMG report presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to fundamentally rethink how we approach corrections in Florida. This is not merely a fiscal issue; it’s a question of how we, as a society, choose to treat those who are incarcerated.

To the governor and my former colleagues in the Legislature, I urge you to see this not as a burden but as an opportunity to lead, innovate and build a corrections system that serves the needs of all Floridians today and for generations to come.

We cannot afford to delay this issue any longer. The costs — both financial and moral — are too great. Now is the moment for bold action. It’s time to establish a commission that will pave the way for a modernized, humane, and efficient prison system in Florida. The time for reform is now.

Jeff Brandes is a former Florida state senator and founder of the Florida Policy Project, a 501c3, non-partisan research organization focused on best practices in transportation, criminal justice, housing and property insurance. For more about FPP initiatives: floridapolicyproject.com.

This story was originally published March 21, 2024 at 6:00 AM.