NH prisons

‘Tough on crime’ attitude leads to explosive growth of NH prison system

 ‘Tough on crime’ attitude leads to explosive growth of NH prison system

Nearly 30 years ago, the New Hampshire legislature adopted what remains one of the strictest parole policies in the country. The 1983 law, a so-called “truth in sentencing” policy, prevents incarcerated people from becoming eligible for parole until they serve all of their minimum sentence. This is in contrast to many other states that allow people to qualify for parole after a certain percentage of their sentences have been served, especially when they have shown good behavior and made attempts to better themselves through education and prison rehabilitation programs.

NH tried to study bail reform's impact. It never happened.

NH tried to study bail reform's impact. It never happened.

Police have said too many defendants are missing court dates or committing new crimes while out on bail. The ACLU and other advocates say those claims are largely anecdotal, without real data backing them up.

The state-commissioned study could have provided some answers. But it was never done.