NCJ Number
93943
Date Published
1983
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This general framework for analyzing adult corrections issues in Alaska presents information intended to assist legislators in developing State policies, with attention to an overview of corrections problems, corrections management, and legislative options in adult correctional services.
Abstract
An overview of corrections problems focuses on crime trends affecting adult corrections, the rising costs of correctional programs, prison overcrowding (population trends in Alaska's prisons and litigation pertaining to State prison conditions), and a profile of Alaska's prisoners. The analysis of corrections management in Alaska considers the role of the Division of Adult Corrections and current issues in corrections management. The latter encompasses consideration of offender management, administrative management, program development, coordination and planning of criminal justice activities, and public information and involvement. The discussion of legislative options in adult correctional services covers increasing correctional bed space, legislative remedies for overcrowding, strengthening correctional management through reorganization, and improving criminal justice communications and decisionmaking. The consideration of legislative remedies for prison overcrowding focuses on legislative options pertaining to controlling prison entry, altering the length of prison confinement, and prison system capacity. Alternatives discussed for strengthening correctional management through reorganization are to (1) create a department of corrections, (2) move the division into a different department, (3) relocate the division into the Governor's office, (4) keep the division in its current location, and (5) establish a board of corrections. Tables and 91 footnotes are provided.