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Nebraska gets plan for easing prison crunch

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A research group says its $33 million plan to expand probation and other programs could save Nebraska more than nine times as much in prison construction and operation over the next several years.

The recommendations from the Council of State Governments Justice Center were presented on Thursday to top Nebraska officeholders, who are trying to reduce state prison overcrowding.

The Justice Center consultants say that in addition to expanding probation, the $33 million would be invested in parole and community treatment programs, oversight and evaluation. The consultants say such measures could reduce the prison population by 10 percent and avert spending $261 million on prison construction and $45 million in operational costs over the next five years.

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