I read an opinion once that went something like 'we have these people under our complete control for their own good and society's and it's too big an opportunity to squander.' Could be taken in a totalitarian, master race way but I think there's a higher road and it sounds like what you're describing is in that spirit.

Prison costs in California are large and the recidivism rate not good. People who get good results could do well, write own ticket, etc.

__________________
1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K