The role of prison in the 21st century will be debated at a public meeting held by the Positive Action Group on Monday.
The political lobby group has invited an international expert on prison reform to give a presentation on 'What is prison for?'
Andrew Neilson, of the Howard League for Penal Reform, will outline the latest thinking on how the Isle of Man can reduce its prison population and offer offenders more rehabilitation programmes.
PAG says that although the Island has a low crime rate, the prison population is large for a nation of its size.
The annual bill for running the prison is ?7 million, which means each inmate costs the taxpayer ?67,000.
The group has suggested replacing custodial sentences with community initiatives could lead to big savings for the public.
Monday night's meeting takes place at the Manx Legion Club, opposite the Market Hall in Douglas from 7.30pm.
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