NCJ Number
198657
Date Published
2002
Length
75 pages
Annotation
This chapter focuses on crime prevention and reduction strategies within the corrections and courts systems.
Abstract
After claiming that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior, the author argues that preventing known criminal offenders from continuing criminal behaviors is an effective strategy in crime prevention approaches. Highlighting six different court and corrections crime prevention intervention strategies, the author describes incapacitation or depriving the offender of the capacity to commit crimes; deterrence or punishment; community restraint and surveillance; structure, discipline, and challenge programs; rehabilitation; and combined rehabilitation and restraint programs. Focusing on crime prevention strategies aimed at reducing crime among juvenile offenders, the author discusses treatment programs for juveniles, juvenile residential programs, and community supervision and aftercare for juveniles. Addressing various court and corrections ordered education and work programs for adult offenders, the author details adult basic education, vocational education, correctional industries, and other work programs designed to prevent recidivism. Arguing that cognitive skills programs comprise a number of different approaches designed to change offenders’ behaviors by changing the dysfunctional ways that individuals think, the author describes moral reconation therapy as well as reasoning and rehabilitation programs. The author also discusses crime prevention strategies specifically directed at sexual and drug-involved offenders as well as anger and stress management, victim awareness, and life skills training programs. The author maintains that rehabilitation programs, prison-based therapeutic community treatments, and vocational educational programs are particularly effective at combating recidivism within various offender populations. Tables, references