NCJ Number
129106
Journal
American Jails Volume: 4 Issue: 5 Dated: (January/February 1991) Pages: 8-12
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The problem of prison overcrowding is discussed from the perspective of treatment of a chronic condition with implications for research and policy.
Abstract
Four propositions are outlined that are relevant to the policy of management of jail overcrowding, while minimizing adverse effects on the criminal justice system. The first proposition addresses the need for the development of adequate measures of crowding which extend beyond the use of capacity and density indicators. The second proposition looks at the need to explain differences in crowding and differences in jail use across jails. The third proposition deals with the causes of crowding, while the fourth focuses on the effects of crowding and related policy on the pursuit of traditional criminal justice goals and on public perception of justice. These research goals highlight the need for studies which compare policy efforts across jail jurisdictions, particularly differences in program development and implementation. 6 notes