Preventing Jail Crowding: A Practical Guide, Second Edition

• NCJ Number: 196114
• Author(s): Robert C. Cushman
• Date Published: May 2002
• Length: 15 pages
• Corporate Author: National Institute of Corrections
• Sale Source: National Institute of Corrections; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

After examining the sources of jail crowding and the dynamics that create changes in jail occupancy levels, this handbook presents a jail population analysis system and recommends a strategy for preventing jail crowding.

Abstract

In many jurisdictions, the levels of crime have been declining, yet the jail population continues to increase. In these jurisdictions, the increased number of people in jail is a consequence of changes in the response of officials who operate the local justice system: local law enforcement, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, and judges. The sheriff, or the jail administrator, has little control over who is admitted into jail, how long they stay there, or how they are released. It is possible for any jail to create a data collection and analysis system that describes changes in admissions and lengths of stay, how they combine, and why and how the jail population is rising or falling. The essential data elements in such a system are listed in this handbook. The handbook advises that the key to preventing jail crowding and managing the jail population to continuously collect, monitor, and analyze admission and length-of-stay information. Such information must be shared with other justice officials and officials in leadership positions in general government. Their cooperation is essential in developing and implementing policies that will relieve and prevent jail crowding. The sheriff and the jail administrator have a stake in creating a systemwide criminal justice coordinating committee or in strengthening an existing one. This committee can provide a forum in which the sheriff or jail administrator can show the impact of various criminal justice policies on jail admissions and length-of-stay, as well as jail crowding. It is expected that when policymakers and decision-makers are presented with clear and convincing empirical evidence, they will act to modify their policies and practices, since these officials have a stake in ensuring that the jail bed resource is best used to maximize public protection. A list of 3 resources