NCJ Number
80535
Date Published
1981
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This report presents the preliminary results of a Texas survey that was designed to examine the attitudes and opinions of Texas residents regarding community-based correctional programs.
Abstract
The survey included seven areas of information: prisons, community-based corrections, community-based corrections in respondents' communities, general issues, community-based corrections in respondents' neighborhoods, personal experiences with community-based corrections, and demographic characteristics of the respondents. Survey instruments were mailed to a scientifically random probability sample of 2,000 Texas residents. A total of 1,020 (51 percent) usable questionnaires were returned and analyzed. The adjusted return rate was 56 percent. Findings indicated that 81 percent of the respondents believed that rehabilitation should be a very important function of Texas prisons and 73 percent indicated that the Texas prison system was doing at least a fair job. A total of 71 percent said that community-based corrections should be for both juveniles and adults; 76 percent were in favor of community-based corrections. Only two types of crime -- shoplifting and driving while under the influence of alcohol -- were rated by the majority of respondents as being the type of crime for which adult community-based corrections should be used. Findings are presented from all seven areas queried. Tables are included. (Author summary modified)