NCJ Number
139615
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 12 Issue: 10 Dated: (April 1988) Pages: 1,6-8
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A comparison of 1984, 1986, and 1988 prison construction surveys for "Corrections Compendium" shows a trend away from community opposition to prisons being located in their jurisdictions to aggressive efforts to have prisons constructed in their areas.
Abstract
In 1984 some 23 U.S. correctional systems reported community opposition to new prison construction. In 1986, 15 systems faced community opposition. By 1988 the number facing opposition had dwindled to 5, and 24 reported encountering only community support. Most observers believe this switch among communities from opposing to favoring prison construction in their areas occurred in 1980-85. During this time, tougher arrest policies and harsher sentences triggered an unprecedented growth in prison populations, just as court rulings were requiring better accommodations. The result has been a serious shortage of facilities that has produced both State and Federal prison expansion programs. Simultaneously, economic interests and the addition of new jobs, particularly in depressed areas, became a major concern of many communities. Prisons are perceived by many communities as pollution-free industries that provide new jobs for the unemployed and a new infusion of spending by prison employees into the local economy. Prisons are also perceived by communities as safer, less obtrusive, and more economically beneficial than in the past. Opposition to prison construction remains, however, even in severely depressed areas of the country. Carefully planned efforts can often overcome this opposition. Careful environmental studies, strong State and local leadership, early citizen involvement, and effective public information programs are keystones to such campaigns.