NCJ Number
74451
Date Published
1980
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The impact of California's Proposition 13 on corrections is assessed, and a general response for corrections in dealing with limited resources is discussed.
Abstract
Proposition 13, which reduces property taxes that can be collected by local governments, has not produced the drastic cuts in personnel and services predicted by its adversaries. This has been due largely to the State's provision of 'bailout' funds to county and city governments. Analysts say that the precarious solvency of California's State and local governments depends on a continued healthy economy in the State. A recession, particularly one coupled with continued inflation, could have serious consequences. The overall financial atmosphere dictates that corrections reexamines basic policies and individual programs, to determine if they are cost effective. In California, such a reexamination of corrections has produced a new parole model. One of the major components of the model is the targeting of high-risk offenders prior to their release; this involves an assessment of each inmate's potential for recidivism before parole. Maximum resources of supervision are then used with high-risk parolees, while minimum risk parolees are given minimal supervision. Resources are thus used efficiently without reducing parole supervision effectiveness. Other possible ways of reducing costs without sacrificing effectiveness are the increased use of restitution, greater use of voluntary serices, and contracting with private agencies to perform services they can do more cheaply than the government. No references are given.