NCJ Number
77268
Date Published
1980
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This report of the California Citizens' Advisory Committee on Alternatives to Incarceration offers recommendations for improved housing, facilities, and programs for felons at lower costs than those specified in the Department of Corrections' current facilities requirement plan.
Abstract
The committee was directed by the legislature to supervise three studies: (1) a study of alternative means of housing sentenced felons, (2) a study of alternatives to incarcerating felons, and (3) a study comparing California's determinate sentence law with the previous indeterminate sentence law and considering the adoption of a sentencing commission. Among the findings on the current use of correctional facilities were that the prison population equals or exceeds housing capacity and that the excess of population over capacity will increase substantially through 1985. The highest priority recommendation regarding correctional facilities is that each inmate be placed at the lowest appropriate security level. The number of camps, community prerelease facilities, and community placement centers should be greatly increased. It is also recommended that all classification levels, programs, and facilities be available to physically, mentally, and developmentally disabled inmates. Among the recommendations for inmate classification is that the department of corrections implement a comprehensive computerized data system that includes information on positive prison adjustment, prison disciplinary records, and recidivism; and that this data system be used to refine the department's existing classification system. In the area of State policy determination, it is suggested that a standing joint legislative committee be established to examine the conditions and use of correctional facilities and existing and proposed sentencing structure. The establishment of a commission to determine what standards should be applied to correctional facilities is also recommended. Appended is a list of the members of the advisory committee, along with brief descriptions of their backgrounds. Footnotes and six references are also provided.