NCJ Number
91820
Date Published
1983
Length
223 pages
Annotation
This report is the product of a special task force assigned to develop a comprehensive and coherent correctional policy for Montana and to make recommendations to implement that policy through adoption of a correctional policy statement, a plan of action, and recommended appropriations levels.
Abstract
The task force held public hearings, visited corrections activities throughout the State, received reports from staff agencies, reviewed past studies, and conducted informal meetings. Findings revealed that corrections professionals and policymakers perceived Montana as having a disjointed and uncertain corrections policy, spread out among constitutional, statutory, and administrative authorities and in need of reformulation. Recommendations are that the legislature enact a bill to define a correctional policy for the State and that it revise some laws to conform more closely to the recommended new policy. It is also recommended that the judiciary should use sentencing alternatives for first time felony offenders. Other findings and recommendations relate to overcrowding and inadequate space in older facilities, some mandatory programing to combat inmate idleness, opportunities for meaningful work experience, expansion of prerelease programs, and better prerelease monitoring. Long-range planning and the establishment of a drug testing facility are also urged. Tables and graphs are given. Study materials are appended.