NCJ Number
46575
Date Published
1975
Length
7 pages
Annotation
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONS FOR MINNESOTA PRESENTS HIS VIEWS ON THE PURPOSES AND PROBLEMS OF CORRECTIONS.
Abstract
THE DISCUSSION OPENS WITH AN OVERVIEW OF CHANGES IN THE CORRECTIONAL ENVIRONMENT. THE DEBATE OVER REHABILITATION AND THE NEED TO ADDRESS THE SOCIAL CONDITIONS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO CRIME ARE NOTED. THE PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS OF CORRECTIONS ARE DISCUSSED, AND A NUMBER OF CORRECTIONAL REFORMS ARE COMMENTED UPON. A RESTITUTION PROGRAM IN MINNEAPOLIS IS DESCRIBED IN WHICH AN OFFENDER'S RELEASE FROM PRISON IS CONDITIONED ON HIS INVOLVEMENT IN RESTITUTION. BEFORE THE OFFENDER IS RELEASED, THE VICTIM VISITS HIM AND THE TWO DEVELOP A CONTRACT. THE ROLE OF THE STATE IN CORRECTIONS IS CONSIDERED. A MINNESOTA LAW AIMED AT UNIFYING CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AT THE LOCAL LEVEL THROUGH STATE SUBSIDIES TO COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IS NOTED. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT IT FAILS TO DEFINE ITS ROLE, PURPOSE, AND MISSION; WILLINGLY INCARCERATES PERSONS WHO CAN LIVE SAFELY WITHIN THE COMMUNITY; AND CONTINUES TO OPERATE FORTRESS-TYPE PRISONS. (LKM)