NCJ Number
81757
Date Published
1981
Length
51 pages
Annotation
This report examines the role of the Washington County Department of Community Corrections (Oregon) in supporting the county courts, the costs and benefits of its services, and whether the department as currently configured is a sound investment.
Abstract
Patterns of case disposition and sentencing for circuit and district courts from 1977 to 1980 are described. To facilitate better understanding of the types of offenders and offenses at issue, the report uses the crime for which a person was convicted for the bulk of the analysis. A model of what might have occurred in sentencing if the community corrections program did not exist is presented. This simulation highlights what sentences might have been assigned if the courts had continued sentencing practices which existed prior to the creation of the department. It is assumed that the difference between what actually happened and what might have happened is due largely to the department's activity. No major changes in laws or other factors occurred during this period. Costs of the department's various services, both total and on an average client basis, are presented, and the costs, numbers of offenders involved, and average cost are presented for corrections services performed outside the department. Revenues and other benefits produced by the county's corrections system are detailed. The concluding chapter examines the gross and net costs and presents a cost-benefit analysis of the department. When compared with 'no expansion' and 'no program' models, the existing county corrections system was found to be superior on a net cost basis. Tabular and graphic data are provided. (Author summary modified)