NCJ Number
142788
Date Published
1993
Length
48 pages
Annotation
The Connecticut Prison and Jail Overcrowding Commission has issued a report containing seven recommendations designed to ease overcrowding and restore a credible system of justice.
Abstract
Two recommendations would expand alternatives to institutionalization and open new facilities, thereby continuing the State's commitment to a balanced strategy of sufficient alternatives and prison capacity. The commission supports the double-ceiling of new correctional institutions as needed to improve cost effectiveness of facility operations and provide the Department of Corrections with population control and management options. In its recommendations, the commission authorizes the Board of Parole to consider for release prisoners who have served half their sentence less "good time." Release decisions would still be made on an individual basis, depending on inmate behavior and offense. The commission would expand the intensive supervision capabilities of the Office of Adult Probation and would create a "warrant squad" to track down and return to custody offenders who violate the terms of their probation and parole release or who fail to appear in court. The seventh recommendation supports additional funding for inmate drug abuse treatment and prevention programs. This report also discusses in more detail prison population prediction and alternatives to incarceration. 2 tables and 23 figures