SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Governor Daugaard says if it weren't for the Public Safety Improvement Act of 2013, South Dakota would have to build a new women's prison estimated to cost $36 million.
The state today released its annual report on the outcomes of the act.
Daugaard says thanks to the act there are almost 300 fewer prison inmates. The cost per inmate is $60 a day or $22,000 a year. These low risk offenders are getting treatment without having to go to prison.
Daugaard says last year there were 350 offenders who were treated in drug or DUI court. And of those who completed treatment, 88% did not commit a felony for a year.
He more offenders are completing parole and probation in less time becauses of incentives for good behavior.
Daugaard says the largest public safety issue facing the state is methamphetamine addiction.
He supports Senate Bill 117 which makes adjustments to the Public Safety Improvement Act including "incentivizing the successful completion of treatment and increasing training of prosecutors so they understand the benefits of diverting users into treatment rather than into prison."
It also provides dollars for an interstate, drug trafficking task force made up of additional Highway Patrol and DCI agents.