The news story on March 7 regarding the organized theft of baby formula provides an interesting commentary on the cost of crime.
The 21 people arrested would be considered non-violent offenders. These types of non-violent offenders are the very same ones that some "soft on crime" types want to release early to reduce the cost of incarceration in the prison system.
The story estimated the annual cost of this one theft ring at $2.5 million.
The most current average cost per inmate listed on the Florida Department of Corrections Web site is $19,308 per year. Based on this, the cost to incarcerate these 21 people would be approximately $405,000 per year.
The math is simple; spend $405,000 to save millions. Budget cuts to the criminal justice system are nothing more than spending dollars to save cents. Ask a store owner or a mother buying baby formula if keeping these people behind bars is worth it.
Dana Orr
Avon Park
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