NCJ Number
78420
Date Published
1979
Length
54 pages
Annotation
This summary of recommendations for the future of corrections in Alaska is offered as an overview of correctional policy alternatives for the State.
Abstract
The plan is based on the philosophy that incarceration should be viewed as a last resort and that the use of community corrections programs should be maximized. Other goals are to renovate or replace existing corrections facilities to provide humane and secure environments for all inmates and to provide a broader spectrum of work, training, and social service opportunities for the benefit of both inmates and community corrections clients. Recommendations cover the organization and management of corrections, adult community corrections, adult institutional services, and youth services. Rural corrections and criminal justice decisionmaking are also covered. Some of the recommendations require only administrative policy changes to be implemented, while others require additional funding and/or statutory changes as well. Whenever possible, the type of action necessary to implement a given policy or recommendation is indicated. It is concluded that the single most effective means of providing the most adequate corrections system at the least possible cost is to avoid unnecessary incarceration of offenders through development of full range of community-based progams, including pretrial release, probation, prerelease and parole supervision. At the conclusion of the summary, a prioritized time line for enacting key recommendations is presented, along with cost implications where they can be estimated.