NCJ Number
15503
Date Published
1973
Length
29 pages
Annotation
FIVE NATIONALLY-PROMINENT AUTHORITIES AND PRACTITIONERS IN THE CORRECTIONS FIELD DISCUSS PAST FAILURES OF THE CORRECTIONS SYSTEM AND GENERALLY PROPOSE AN INCREASE IN COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONS.
Abstract
THE CUSTODIALLY ORIENTED INSTITUTIONAL PRISON SYSTEM OF THE PAST IS JUDGED TO HAVE FAILED TO REHABILITATE THE CRIMINAL OR PROVIDE GREATER SECURITY FOR THE CITIZENRY. ALL OF THE SPEAKERS WHOSE COMMENTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT APPRECIATE THE NEED FOR THE CONFINEMENT OF DANGEROUS PERSONS, BUT ADVOCATE COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONS FOR SELECTED OFFENDERS WHO ARE NOT OF SERIOUS DANGER TO SOCIETY. THE COST-BENEFIT SUPERIORITY AS WELL AS THE REHABILITATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS APPROACH COMPARED TO INCARCERATION IS CITED. DECRIMINALIZATION OF SO-CALLED VICTIMLESS CRIMES IS RECOMMENDED WITH THE CONSEQUENT EFFECT OF A REDUCTION IN THE JAIL POPULATION.