NCJ Number
166469
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1996) Pages: 118,120-123
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes various programs that are being used to address expanding jail populations throughout the Nation.
Abstract
Recent sentencing policies in States throughout the Nation have increased the number of offenders sent to prison as well as the length of time they stay in prison. Recognizing that jail populations are expanding and Federal crime bill dollars are not flowing to local jurisdictions for jail construction, creative ways to handle nonsentenced jail populations are under review throughout the country. With improvements in technology, house arrests through electronic home monitoring are showing the cost- effectiveness of alternative programs for misdemeanor sentences. Electronic surveillance also allows offenders to be released on their own recognizance. These options, however, are useful only for low-risk offenders. They will not provide a solution for the long-term needs of violence offenders, gang members, and other, more aggressive populations. From a policymaker's perspective, the following should be considered as ways to meet additional bed needs: adaptive re-use of other facilities, such as retired military bases, schools, and hospitals; the issuing of new bonds to build new facilities; the building of new facilities; design/build/lease back facilities; and design/build/lease back/ operate with private operators.