It is costing Nebraska millions of dollars each year to house inmates who could more affordably and safely be placed on probation. That is one of several recommendations in the Platte Institute for Economic Research’s report on correctional policy improvements.

Communications and Outreach Director Adam Weinberg says they promote probation measures for low-level, nonviolent offenders with strict sanctions and incentives for reducing their need to re-offend.

Weinberg says they also recommend employment and public record related laws that enable reformed offenders to maintain gainful employment in the years following their release.