NCJ Number
61704
Date Published
1979
Length
11 pages
Annotation
AN ANALYSIS OF SENATE BILL 1820 (CHANGED TO S 2137), INVOLVING THE FUNDING OF COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAMS, HAS BEEN DEVELOPED BY A CORRECTIONAL SPECIALIST FOR THE STATE OF WASHINGTON.
Abstract
THE GOALS OF S 1820 ARE TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF STATEWIDE COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS AT THE PRECHARGE, PRETRIAL, AND POSTCONVICTION LEVELS; TO DIVERT FELONY OFFENDERS FROM INSTITUTIONS AND PROBATION CASELOADS; AND TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO EXISTING STATE CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMS. THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WILL DEVELOP STATEWIDE COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PLANS FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS. THE PERCENTAGE OF FUNDS RECEIVED BY A PROGRAM SHALL BE PROPORTIONATE TO THE PERCENTAGE OF FELONY OFFENDERS SERVED BY THE PROGRAM. NO FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR NEW MAJOR CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION. RECOMMENDED CHANGES IN S 1820 INCLUDE GIVING SHORT TERM RELIEF OF OVERCROWDING IN THE STATE PRISON SYSTEM THE HIGHEST PRIORITY UNTIL ADDITIONAL PRISON FACILITIES BECOME AVAILABLE IN 1983 THROUGH 1985. THE AMOUNT OF RELIEF FROM OVERCROWDING WILL DEPEND ON THE LEVEL OF FUNDING BY THE LEGISLATURE AND THE DEGREE TO WHICH THE DIVERSION PROGRAMS SERVE ONLY 'TRUE DIVERTEES' FROM PRISON. THE COORDINATION OF POLICIES FOR THE USE OF INCARCERATION AND DIVERSION WILL INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF RELIEF FROM OVERCROWDING. THE GOVERNOR'S COMMITTEE OF LAW AND JUSTICE IS A MECHANISM THROUGH WHICH POLICY COORDINATION IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM CAN BE ACHIEVED. CHARTS ARE INCLUDED. (LWM)