NCJ Number
85348
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The jail crisis can be reduced by requiring expanded use of alternatives to incarceration, effective partnerships between State and county governments, better linkages between criminal justice and health and social services agencies, and comprehensive systemwide planning and funds to improve facilities.
Abstract
Comprehensive community corrections offers both States and counties a major solution to the problems of jail overcrowding and substandard conditions. The growing interest at the State and local levels in finding a way out of the increasing costs of building and operating correctional facilities can motivate States and counties to form partnerships to improve their systems. Inherent in the practice of community corrections is the recognition that the community is the best place to deal with minor offenders and that county governments and communities are best equipped to design and operate the types of programs suited to their communities. States that have implemented comprehensive community corrections programs have provided subsidies and technical assistance to counties, set standards for corrections programs, and approved and coordinated programs statewide. Counties have the responsibilities of planning, coordinating, expanding, and administering their own programs. The focus for promoting and implementing these comprehensive approaches must be on elected county and State officials. They are the people with responsibility for maintaining public safety and determining how tax dollars will be spent. Expansion of comprehensive community corrections depends on the support and leadership of local policymakers and the involvement of the community.