NCJ Number
84184
Date Published
1982
Length
151 pages
Annotation
Study findings and recommendations concern the causes of the explosive growth in New York State's prison population, its impact on the criminal justice system, and strategies for containing this growth.
Abstract
Study methodology involved interviews with State criminal justice agency officials, a review of documentary materials reflecting policies and practices, and analysis of statistical information. Findings revealed that New York State's prison population has more than doubled, expanding from 12,525 persons in 1971 to 25,930 in 1981, a 107 percent increase. This dramatic expansion is attributable mainly to the implementation of public policies and practices, such as new laws requiring more frequent mandatory prison sentences and longer terms of imprisonment; a decline in granted paroles; and a reduction in the use of probation caused by funding cutbacks. The increased use of imprisonment has failed to stop the growth of crime rates and has resulted in overcrowded, unsafe institutions. State correctional system costs have increased by more than 400 percent during the decade. Approximately 12 percent of the total prison population could have been placed under probation conditions without endangering the public. The corrections commission should establish capacity limits and space requirements for each institution, including a prohibition on double celling. New York should repeal the 1973 and 1978 mandatory prison sentencing laws and give probation departments additional support and resources. Statutes should provide that parole release be granted upon completion of the specified court-determined minimum term, and parole eligibility should be determined by completion of the minimum term less 'good time' served. Footnotes and 22 tables are included. Examples of other States' prison reform initiatives and the Study's recommendations are appended.