Prisons is it worth the cost

Over the last year or so it has become painfully clear that sending non violent law breakers to prison is neither cost efficient or rehabilitative.  Most of this information is based on MDOC records for Cost per inmate to house for 1 day in 2007 was  as follows.

• MISSISSIPPI STATE PENITENTIARY $45.48
• CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI CORRECTIONAL FACILITY $ 35.47

A person convicted and sent to prison for a non violent felony ($500) routinely receives 10 years and will cost the taxpayer $12946.55 per year in housing and food or $129465.5 if they serve their full term.  Keep in mind this is based on 2007 budget year reports and cost is going up.  Current Mississippi law stipulates a requirement to serve 25% of a sentence before becoming eligible for parole or a cost to the taxpayer of $32277.7 – This does not take into account medical costs.  So the taxpayer can foot the bill to house a person convicted of a $500 felony.

Is justice served or is there a better way to handle these type crimes.  Make the penalty fit the crime and get these people back into society quickly once they pay back the system.