Faced with this reality, some European countries have implemented alternatives to incarceration. Community service, enhanced monitoring, or electronic surveillance reduce costs while maintaining a strict framework. In France, these solutions are still in the minority, but they are gaining visibility.

French society must therefore choose: maintain an expensive model centered on incarceration, or invest in solutions that promote reintegration and reduce public spending. The debate remains open and directly concerns taxpayers. Because each prisoner behind the walls represents a bill that all citizens share.