Fact Check: The average cost of operating a detention facility can be substantial.

Fact Check: "The average cost of operating a detention facility can be substantial."

What We Know

The claim that the average cost of operating a detention facility can be substantial is supported by various sources that provide detailed financial analyses of detention and incarceration costs. According to a report from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, detaining a person before trial and subsequently incarcerating them is approximately ten times more costly than community supervision. Furthermore, placing an individual in a residential reentry center is about nine times more expensive than community supervision. This indicates that the financial burden of operating detention facilities is significant.

In Maryland, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) oversees 13 correctional facilities and 5 detention facilities, with a combined average daily population of approximately 17,673 offenders as of fiscal year 2023. The operational costs associated with these facilities are substantial, as indicated in their budget analysis.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible sources that provide a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with detention facilities. The DPSCS budget analysis outlines the operational expenditures necessary to maintain these facilities, which include housing, staffing, and healthcare costs for detainees. The report from the U.S. Courts further emphasizes the financial implications of detention versus alternative supervision methods, highlighting that the costs of detention can be exorbitant compared to community supervision options.

While the sources cited are reliable, it is essential to consider potential biases. The U.S. Courts' report aims to advocate for community supervision as a cost-effective alternative to detention, which may influence the presentation of data. However, the financial figures provided are based on official budgetary data and reflect actual costs incurred by the system.

Conclusion

The claim that "the average cost of operating a detention facility can be substantial" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources illustrates that the costs associated with detention facilities are indeed high, particularly when compared to alternatives such as community supervision. The financial burden on taxpayers and the state budget underscores the substantial nature of these costs.

Fact Check: The average cost of operating a detention facility can be substantial.