NCJ Number
98317
Date Published
1985
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The objectives, current operation, and highlights of the Florida Community Control Program are described.
Abstract
The Community Control Program was implemented October 1983 as part of the Correctional Reform Act. In addition to providing for house arrest/confinement to residence, the program includes public service and payment of victim restitution and cost of supervision fees. The program emphasizes offender accountability and responsibility with punishment sanctions and through small caseloads. Monthly intakes average about 240. Based on sentencing guidelines, 72.5 percent of community controllees were bona fide diversions; and without the program, current prison commitments would be much higher. As of January 31, 1985, the active caseload was 3,256. A comparison of monthly prison commitments in the program's first year with the previous year's indicates an average monthly reduction of 180. Of the 444 revocations since the program's beginning, 252 were for technical violations of supervision and 192 were for new offenses. There have been 126 successful terminations. There are 172 community control officers statewide. Increased officer training has enhanced their professionalism. Community control remains a strong and viable diversionary alternative to incarceration. Increases in funding and staffing will be needed to keep pace with the strong monthly intake and increasing caseload. Tabular data are provided.