Cost of keeping some inmates in prison might be greater than the potential danger they'd present if released, according to the Kentucky Parole Board.
In a state where the correctional system spends over $600 million annually, questions about the cost, purpose, and treatment of inmates have been raised. The case of Michael Carneal, a man convicted of a school shooting in 1997, sheds light on these issues.
Carneal, who pleaded guilty but mentally ill, is currently serving a life sentence without parole for at least 25 years in the Kentucky State Reformatory. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia during his incarceration, he received psychiatric treatment and medication that improved his condition. However, at his parole hearing in 2022, he testified that he was still hearing voices in his head, but was better able to resist them.
The cost of incarcerating Carneal, along with several others, remains unclear. The state Department of Corrections admitted it did not have specific information about the cost of incarcerating certain inmates, including Carneal, Steve Nunn, Karen Brown, Elizabeth Turpin, Carlos LeeThurman, and others.
The issue of cost is particularly pertinent when considering older inmates. Emily Widra, Senior Policy Analyst at Prison Policy Initiative, stated in her August 2023 report that the cost of incarcerating older inmates is steep and that the U.S. prison population is aging at a faster rate than the nation as a whole.
If released, Carneal and his parents have said he would live with them and continue to receive mental-health treatment. However, critics like Jim Peterson, a criminal-justice advocate, question the purpose of continued confinement for inmates like Karen Brown, nearing the age of 87.
Lengthy prison sentences meted out to minors and young adults also raise questions. Carneal was 14 years old at the time of the shooting and was suffering from hallucinations. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that it was unconstitutional to impose the death penalty on a juvenile offender less than 18 years old at the time of the crime, acknowledging a lack of maturity and an underdeveloped sense of responsibility in youth.
The case of Michael Carneal highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the Kentucky correctional system. As the system continues to grapple with these issues, the call for reform and transparency grows louder.
In a related development, the state of Kentucky denied a reporter's request for Carneal's medical records while in custody, citing confidentiality laws. Carneal declined to be interviewed, and his parents and most recent attorney did not respond to numerous requests for comment.
Despite these challenges, the conversation around mental health, cost, and the treatment of inmates continues. As the system evolves, it is hoped that a more humane and effective approach will be found to address these pressing issues.
