NCJ Number
124688
Date Published
1987
Length
79 pages
Annotation
This report on the causes of jail overcrowding in Leon County, Fla., is based on existing relevant data, "spot samples," interviews with criminal justice officials and other knowledgeable persons, and analyses of two new data bases developed by consultants: one on sample bookings and the other on an inmate profile.
Abstract
Severe jail overcrowding exists in Leon County because the flow of detainees through the courts is not well-coordinated, and there is no focused system for reporting crowding data to a collaborating group of key officials. There is a lack of coordinated, high-level commitment by the courts and the prosecution to efficient jail inmate management. Objective, quantifiable pretrial-release criteria do not exist. Inefficient charging and pretrial case screening practices also contribute to jail overcrowding. The issuing of a field citation in lieu of arrest could help reduce jail overcrowding. Another cause of jail overcrowding is the lack of objective, quantifiable eligibility criteria for alternatives to sentenced custody. 22 figures. For phase two of the report, see NCJ-124690.