NCJ Number
121228
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Important changes in typical community fields in the coming decades are variations in the State-local dimension, developments in technology and associated influence of the technology industry on correctional policy, the spread of user fees, and the continued development of privatization.
Abstract
Throughout the 20th century, the trend has been toward greater control at the State level. The apparent divergence from this trend introduced by Community Corrections Acts following the Minnesota model is the decoupling, to some extent, of the State's interest in quality of services from the choice of content of services. It remains to be seen whether claims for increased local discretion will be maintained over time. Electronic monitoring technology adds to the interest groups which may have some hand in shaping correctional policy, the distribution of resources, and the private businesses which develop, manufacture, and market the equipment. User fees for the consumption of punishments may change the position of the correctional agency in the community field, apparently changing the source and the availability of certain correctional options. The impact of the increased use of private contractors in corrections will be highly variable, depending in part on the emerging position of the private organizations in the vertical and horizontal community matrix.