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Gov. Malloy Tells '60 Minutes' He Was Impressed With German Prisons

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- When it comes to prison and prisoners, most Americans will agree the system in the United States isn't working. In total the U.S. spends $80 billion a year housing all of the country's inmates. That number and the high rate of recidivism is one reason Gov. Dannel Malloy said he continues to make prison reform a priority. 

Gov. Dannel Malloy appeared on the news magazine show "60 Minutes" on Sunday as part of a tour of German prisons.

Gov. Dannel Malloy appeared on the news magazine show "60 Minutes" on Sunday as part of a tour of German prisons.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky

On Sunday, the television magazine "60 Minutes"' toured several German prisons, which provide prisoners with many freedoms (including keys to their cells) and a lot of counseling. The main focus of the system is rehabilitation. As a result, the country has a low crime rate and an even lower recidivism rate. Malloy, who appeared on the show, toured one of the prisons in Berlin last summer. 

Malloy said he was impressed by what he saw: "I think there are many things that are transferable,'' Malloy told "60 Minutes" reporter Bill Whitaker. "That doesn't mean that it's a perfect fit. But I think we have to challenge ourselves to do better."

Malloy's visit was part of a tour for law enforcement and government officials organized by the Vera Institute of Justice and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 

Click here to watch the "60 Minutes" episode. 

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