NCJ Number
65637
Date Published
1977
Length
112 pages
Annotation
BEGINNING WITH A DISCUSSION OF OVERCROWDING IN PRISONS, THE SOURCEBOOK PROVIDES STATISTICAL DATA ON INMATE POPULATIONS AND CORRECTIONAL COSTS IN 8 SOUTHEASTERN STATES.
Abstract
AT THE REQUEST OF THE SOUTHEASTERN CORRECTIONAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, THE BOOK WAS PREPARED TO ASSIST THE FOLLOWING STATES IN POLICY PLANNING, NEW CONSTRUCTION, AND BUDGETING: ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, KENTUCKY, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TENNESSEE. THE INTRODUCTION DESCRIBES THE CRISIS IN PRISONS RESULTING FROM OVERCROWED CONDITIONS AND COURT ORDERED IMPROVEMENTS IN CORRECTIONS MANAGEMENT. INCREASED PRISON POPULATIONS ARE ATTRIBUTED TO RISING CRIME RATES, IMPROVED LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION, AND A PUBLIC ATTITUDE TOWARD CRIMINALS. THE NUMBER OF PERSONS COMMITTED TO STATE INSTITUTIONS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN REGION IN 1976 WAS 29.8 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL UNITED STATES COMMITMENTS. THE INMATE POPULATION IN THESE STATES HAS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE 1972 AND OVERCROWDING POSES SERIOUS PROBLEMS. BECAUSE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS HAVE FAILED TO DETERMINE, A TOTAL SYSTEMS PLANNING APPROACH IS NEEDED TO DEVELOP VIABLE ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION. DURING 1977, DATA FOR THE 5 YEAR PERIOD 1972-76 WAS COLLECTED FROM THE STATES ON ADULT STATE INSTITUTIONS AND PROBATION AND PAROLE AND ANALYZED BY THE NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE. STAFF MEMBERS ALSO VISITED EACH STATE CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT. INCARCERATION RATES ARE PROJECTED FOR THE REGION AND EACH STATE TO 1985, FOLLOWED BY TABLES AND GRAPHS ON AVERAGE DAILY POPULATION AND INCARCERATION RATES FOR 1946 THROUGH 1976. DATA ON COMMITMENTS AND RELEASES IS PRESENTED, AND INDIVIDUAL TABLES PROVIDE INFORMATION ON COMMUNITY-BASED RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS, AVERAGE SENTENCES, AND LENGTH OF STAY. STATISTICS ON FACILITIES INCLUDE THE YEAR OPENED, CAPACITY, AND SIZE OF LIVING AREAS. TOTAL OPERATING BUDGETS AND EXPENDITURES ARE DETAILED ALONG WITH AVERAGE YEARLY AND DAILY COSTS PER INMATE. ALSO COVERED ARE INSTITUTIONAL STAFF CATEGORIZED BY FUNCTION AND STAFF INMATE RATIOS. INFORMATION ON PAROLEES AND PROBATIONERS ENCOMPASSES REVOCATIONS, STAFF, AND APPROPRIATIONS. (MJM)