NCJ Number
88527
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 34 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1983) Pages: 4-8
Date Published
1983
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The correctional system is irrational and counterproductive and should be changed to emphasize alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent, nonserious offenders and improved training and employment within prisons for dangerous or career criminals.
Abstract
The correctional system is expensive, often ineffective, and sometimes inhumane. Given the current overcrowding and limited prison capacity, mandatory prison sentences can intensify the crime problem. The correctional system needs to match solutions to each type of offender. Restitution programs can partially reverse the trend toward viewing the state rather than the individual as the crime victim, provide victims with just reimbursement for their losses, and enhance the public's perceptions of the justice of the correction system. These programs can also reduce the escalating costs of the corrections system. Alternative sentencing programs that deserve attention are that of the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives, the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, and the Earn-It program. Judges in several parts of the country are also using creative alternative sentencing. Considerable community acceptance and volunteer effort are needed to expand alternative sentencing programs, however. Legislation is also needed to ease restrictions on sales of goods made by prisoners, since expansion of prison industries should be an integral part of correctional programming for those violent offenders who are not candidates for alternative sentencing programs. No references are cited.