There was a time when Michigan inmates would receive credit for good behavior. “Good time credits” earned could reduce a prison sentence. That practice ended decades ago when the nation experienced a “Truth in Sentencing” movement.
“And the idea was that it was being sensitive to victims. That victims wanted to know that the person was going to get a sentence that looked like the sentence they thought the person was going to get.”
State Rep. David LaGrand argues encouraging good behavior benefits everyone in the corrections systems.
“Critically it helps keep the officers and staff safer. If they’re in an environment where people are incentivized to behave, then we have a less toxic environment. And that’s really, really important for everybody.”
The Grand Rapids Democrat explains a moderate “good time credit” system like the one used in jails is beneficial.
“If we did a one-for-five credit system in Michigan, somebody who got sentenced for 20-years would get out in 16 (years). So, that’s not a massive disconnect.”
Lawmakers in favor of reinstating “good time credits” say inmates holding employment while in prison, participating in a training program, earning a college degree or educational certificate would reduce their time served.