NCJ Number
129652
Date Published
1990
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study examines the characteristics of inmates imprisoned nationwide and argues that public protection would not be compromised if a significant percentage of them were given alternative sentences or shorter sentences.
Abstract
The vast majority of inmates are sentenced for petty crimes that pose little danger to public safety or significant economic loss to victims. Although drug use is a frequent activity in their lifestyles, most inmates are not addicted to drugs. Although most inmates have the middle-class goals of most Americans -- a home, family, and job -- they are ill-equipped to maintain a legitimate job for any significant period. Hence, they occasionally resort to a petty criminal lifestyle. The Nation should not be spending money to warehouse petty criminals. Alternative sentences should be used to reduce corrections costs, increase restitution to victims, and help ensure that inmates will not return to a life of petty crime. Alternatives to prison for petty offenders could include probation, county jail, fines, or restitution. For those who are sentenced to prison, their terms could be shorter. Correctional agencies should provide vocational training, job training, and basic education services to prepare offenders to earn a legitimate income. 22 footnotes