NCJ Number
79748
Date Published
1981
Length
249 pages
Annotation
Stimulated by a vigorous public debate over solutions to jail overcrowding, this study examines jail utilization in Boulder, Colo., with particular attention to causes of overcrowding, interagency coordination, and characteristics of the jail population.
Abstract
An overview of the main problems in the Boulder jail system considers seasonal and daily patterns of overcrowding, contradictions in policy, and conflicts over who should be incarcerated. Causes of increased jail utilization are also explored, including population growth, crime rates, and facets of criminal justice processing. However, the study found no clear relationship between crime rates and jail incarceration levels. Major information sources included a system designed to track individuals detained in jail, monthly statistical reports compiled by the jail staff, Uniform Crime Reports, court caseload figures, and interviews with criminal justice officials. A discussion of Boulder's criminal justice system concludes that better coordination and policy clarification could alleviate overcrowding and other problems. Overclassification was viewed as a major factor contributing to the inappropriate use of high-security incarceration. Data on the length of stay and rates of release in Boulder's jail are analyzed, and selected crime rates are projected through 1986. The following special offender groups who are placed in jail are examined: persons with mental problems, transients and municipal offenders, women, drunk drivers, alcohol and other substance abusers, and work release cases. The presence of these offenders in jails contradicts adopted policy and is reportedly disliked by jail staff. Finally, strategies which could relieve pressures on the jail and perhaps obviate the need for new construction are outlined, such as strengthening interagency coordination, improved classification, and alternatives to incarceration for special offender groups. The appendixes contain descriptions of Boulder's criminal justice agencies, a review of alternatives to incarceration, legal requirements for a Colorado county jail, and statistical forecasting information. (Author summary modified)