"We have 1.8 million Americans behind bars today at Local, State and Federal level. In the federal system, which has doubled in the last ten years, over 110,000 people behind bars in the Federal system, probably two-thirds are there for drug related reason"

This quote by Barry McCaffrey highlights the disconcerting number of Americans behind bars today. According to McCaffrey, there are 1.8 million people in prison at the local, state, and federal level. The federal system has actually seen a doubling in the last ten years, with over 110,000 individuals in jail. Of those, two-thirds are there for drug-related reasons. This is a concerning figure, as it recommends that the criminal justice system is disproportionately targeting drug-related offenses. It also recommends that the criminal justice system is not properly dealing with the source of drug-related criminal activity, such as hardship, psychological health concerns, and addiction. This quote works as a reminder of the need for reform in the criminal justice system, so that it can much better resolve the underlying reasons for criminal offense and provide more equitable outcomes for all.