NCJ Number
144898
Journal
Wisconsin Lawyer Dated: (June 1992) Pages: 15-16,51-52
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The Wisconsin four-phase intensive sanctions system is designed to reduce the prison population by providing less costly intensive supervision for nonviolent property offenders who have in the past been given 3- to 4-year prison terms.
Abstract
As of July 1, 1992, every court in Wisconsin will have the discretion to sentence convicted felons to intensive sanctions, which are less costly than a prison bed but more restrictive than traditional probation and parole. The three other entry points for intensive sanctions are an administrative transfer from prison by the Department of Corrections, a parole to the program by the Parole Commission, or as an alternative to probation/parole revocation. The first phase of the program is the serving of 25 percent of the court-ordered confinement; phase II consists of electronic monitoring to ensure home confinement during prescribed periods, allowing release from the home only for preapproved work, school, or treatment programs. After 30 days, inmates are allowed to apply for recreation time of no more than 4 hours per week. Phase II requires a minimum of 18 face-to-face contacts with each inmate every month. After a minimum of 3 months participation in phase II, the inmate is eligible for phase III, which is similar to phase II but with fewer restrictions. Phase IV is comparable to traditional probation and parole supervision at the maximum level. An offender can only move from phase III to phase IV when stable educational or employment patterns have been established and there is evidence of positive program adjustment. 12 notes