NCJ Number
169302
Date Published
1997
Length
368 pages
Annotation
This book presents opposing viewpoints on various correctional issues in the general areas of correctional institutions, community supervision, offender treatment, and continuing issues and change.
Abstract
Regarding correctional institutions, opposing views are presented on whether or not prisons should exist. One essay argues that prisons effectively serve not only deterrence needs of society but are also agents of incapacitation, objectives that have not been achieved by any alternatives to prison. The opposing essay argues, on the other hand, that imprisonment alone is not an effective response to crime. It suggests a de-emphasis on the use of imprisonment and a focus on alternative community- based approaches. Two other essays pertinent to correctional institutions present opposing arguments on the impacts of prison and prison crowding. Opposing essays in the area of community supervision consider whether offender services or offender surveillance should be the guiding philosophy for probation. Opposing essays on the treatment of offenders argue the pros and cons of punishment and the cost-effectiveness of treatment programs. The final section of the book abandons the format of opposing essays and presents single essays on various continuing issues and change. The issues discussed are the pros and cons of capital punishment; intermediate sanctions and electronic monitoring (history, innovations, and considerations for the field); private prisons in perspective; a critical look at the concept of boot camp as a correctional reform; and health care issues in correctional institutions. Selected bibliographies accompany each of the major sections. Subject and name indexes