NCJ Number
111557
Date Published
1988
Length
56 pages
Annotation
The New River Community Sentencing Program, which provides supervised community service as a sentencing alternative in four Virginia counties and the city of Radford, was evaluated in terms of its management and operations, workload, impact on the local criminal justice system, and community relations.
Abstract
Study data were gathered between December 1986 and October 1987 and covered the program's operations from its beginning in 1983. The program provides a sentencing alternative of proven benefit to the courts and law enforcement communities in its service areas. The program enjoys widespread acceptance and approval by the citizenry and is clearly offering services that benefit offenders and their families. The large caseloads of the community service counselors suggest the need for funding for additional counselors, however. More precise job descriptions, a clearer description of the performance evaluation process, and systematic training for staff members are also needed. The program supervised 1,202 community service orders between June 1986 and May 1987. During fiscal year 1987, the program successfully diverted 544 individuals from further contact with criminal justice professionals. The program's economic value was greater than its cost. Tables, footnotes, and an appended list of the program's board of directors.