Prisons

Our prison system is extremely broken. 70% of those released from prison return to prison. 70% of those on parole have a substance abuse problem so one reason they return to prison is the need to finance the addition.
I would drug and alcohol test all prisoners on a regular basis and those testing positive would be isolated and the guards and anyone else having contact with them would be subject to drug and alcohol testing. If the prisoner continued to test positive for drugs or alcohol then all those coming in contact with them would be subject to search until we find who is bringing in the substances even if it turns out to be a guard.
All prisoners should be required to work at least 40 hours per week. Our goal should be very few prison employees other than guards. After work prisoners should be required to go to school to improve chances of employment when released.
Prisons should be reserved for those that are a threat to society. EXTENSIVE public service and fines would be punishment enough for minor offenses and those not considered a threat to society.
Rather than build more prisons or release prisoners early, lets start a second shift so half the prisoners sleep during the day and WORK at night. We could double the capacity by purchasing sleeping bags for each prisoner. We should not be required to provide better facilities for our prisoners than we do for our military.
Prison guards are paid well and shouldn't be demanding a big increase in wages and benefits.