NCJ Number
89289
Date Published
1981
Length
87 pages
Annotation
Task force recommendations are intended to help Mississippi provide a more effective but humane punishment of offenders and efficient administration of the correctional system.
Abstract
Recommendations focus on pretrial release, sentencing guidelines, alternative sanctions, incarceration sites at the State and county levels, county and local jail standards, administrative efficiency, procedural reform, and recidivism, parole, and classification. Regarding pretrial release, the task force recommends establishment of procedures for reporting additional bail information, receiving bail bond deposits, and permitting nonmonetary bail in special cases. It is also proposed that a commission on sentencing guidelines be established to set sentencing standards. The alternative sanctions recommended include restitution, community service, and split sentences. A Commission on Jail Standards is proposed to develop advisory standards to assist sheriffs and local officials in the operation and maintenance of jails. Recommendations bearing upon administrative efficiency focus on offender information processing, financial and personnel records, management training, and legislation mandating a state of emergency when the prison population exceeds the specified capacity of prisons. The appendix contains recommended legislation.