NCJ Number
157864
Date Published
1994
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video profiles the process by which a total quality management team found ways to eliminate jail overcrowding in Monroe County, N.Y., without having to build a new facility.
Abstract
The format for the video consists of narration that explains the planning process and the work of the team, accompanied by action shots and comments by planning participants that coincide with the narration. Visual charts outline the actions taken. The problem and challenge presented is that of an overcrowded jail whose population has been increasing while arrest and crime rates have remained stable. The team analysis of the jail population found that over 60 percent were charged with misdemeanors, and these inmates had longer jail periods than those charged with felons, since the courts were giving priority to the trying of felony cases. The focus of the team was to find ways to manage those charged with and convicted of misdemeanors without sending them to jail, thus, reserving jail space for those charged with and convicted of violent offenses. The team identified a number of ways to reduce the jail population to an acceptable level. These involved reducing case processing time, expediting presentence reports, developing new pretrial release options, and creating new sentencing options for nonviolent offenders. An assessment unit was established to assess defendants within 3 days of being charged, so as to determine their need for various levels of supervision and services. The court receives this diagnostic report as background information for pretrial and sentencing decisions. Some of the team recommendations for expanded court options were contact pretrial supervision, electronic home confinement, day reporting and day treatment centers, urinalysis testing for drugs, a limited custody facility, and intensive probation for convicted misdemeanants and nonviolent offenders. A management information system was developed to monitor program operations.