NCJ Number
102940
Date Published
1985
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet summarizes the major reforms that took place in Florida's criminal justice system, starting in 1982, to address the problems of prison overcrowding and rapidly increasing prison expenditures.
Abstract
The crucial factor in successfully addressing these issues was the legislature's decision in 1983 to reserve prisons for dangerous offenders. The new legislative direction resulted from a task force's recommendations and from the efforts of businessman Jack Eckerd. The legislation changes sentencing and substantially increases the use of alternatives to increases the use of alternatives to incarceration. The program has been effective to date.