NCJ Number
126116
Date Published
1990
Length
218 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the role of alternatives to incarceration argues that alternatives based on coherent criminal justice policies can help counter the emphasis on the use of prisons in England and Wales as well as in other countries.
Abstract
Historically, alternatives have been shown to have little influence in controlling the expansion of the use of prisons. Although some research suggests that alternatives may help the prison establishment to expand, much of the supporting information is unconvincing. However, alternatives cannot be expected to resolve the crisis of prison overcrowding and increasing recidivism. This crisis is a policy crisis; a carefully developed policy is essential to reduce the rate of incarceration and the prison population and to define the role of alternatives to institutionalization. Discussions of the development of prisons and experiences of various countries in diverting offenders from prison. Tables, chapter notes, index, and 334 references.