NCJ Number
94163
Date Published
1984
Length
64 pages
Annotation
Overcrowding in Rhode Island's correctional facilities can be alleviated by implementing 10 recommended changes.
Abstract
Changes include the development of standardized judicial bail guidelines; investment of greater resources for probation parole, the parole board, and community alternatives; institution of mandatory supervision and assistance for all released offenders; and use of alternatives to incarceration for selected offender categories. Other recommendations are development of special programs for some offender types, construction of a new medium-security facility, and establishment of a permanent appointed body to study prison overcrowding. The report describes the magnitude and nature of the State and national prison overcrowding dilemma. It reviews the numerous factors that can interact to cause overcrowding: increased arrest rates, improved prosecution, changes in sentencing practices, stricter parole criteria, obsolete correctional facilities, and lack of community correctional resources. It also describes the current situation in Rhode Island and future projections. Appendixes include 89 options to reduce overcrowding and articles on intensive supervision.