Incentives Work: Employment Credits for People on Probation Promote Economy and Public Safety

The earned-time legislation implemented in Arizona in 2008 successfully reduced the number of people who were returned to jail or prison for violating the conditions of their parole, resulting in significant financial savings from lower levels of incarceration. [...] More than 77,000 people are on probation in Arizona as of August 2022.11 Research with probation and parole populations consistently indicates that the opportunity to earn reductions in supervision is a powerful motivator.12 As a result, work incentives provide a substantial motivation for people on probation to participate fully in the workforce. [...] By encouraging tens of thousands of people to integrate fully into the workforce, work incentives can contribute to the economic growth of Arizona. [...] Probation revocations make up approximately 26 percent of commitments to Arizona prisons.13 Strong evidence indicates that steady employment decreases the chances of a person on probation committing a new crime and increases their chances of success under supervision.14 The W. [...] Work incentives are one strategy that the state can pursue that will increase the workforce, expand prosperity, and contribute to the safety of our communities.