NCJ Number
89148
Date Published
1983
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This analysis of various proposals for taking 'good time' off minimum sentences in New York State provides data that suggest that for any good-time proposal to have a major potential impact on prison populations, it must apply to all minimum sentences.
Abstract
Good time is normally used to supplement institutional discipline, but it has some potential for reducing prison populations. There are currently a number of proposals to reintroduce good time off the minimum sentence in New York State. One proposal deducts good time from all minimums and generates the highest number of projected additional releases. In fiscal 1982-83, there would be 2,978 additional releases (a 45 percent increase over current practice), and in fiscal 1983-84, there would be 1,316 additional releasees (a 17 percent increase). The number of projected additional releases dwindles to 42 by fiscal 1987-88, because releases made in earlier periods diminish the number of inmates remaining under custody and eligible for release. Another proposal deducts good time from inmates with minimums greater than 5 years. The number of potential releasees under this proposal is only about 18 percent of the number projected for the first proposal. A third proposal credits good time to the portion of minimum sentences in excess of 10 years. Projected additional releases under this proposal would be small, averaging 19 per year for the 6 years for which projections were made. Proposals that exclude short minimums from earning good time exclude the population of potential releasees that could make the most significant reduction in prison populations. The appendixes contain projection procedures and supplementary data tables. Six footnotes and 12 bibliographic entries are provided. (Author summary modified)