Department of Youth Authority, State of California Youth and Adult Correctional Agency, Address

• NCJ Number: 121093
• Author(s): J K Stewart
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 10 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: US Dept of Justice
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Presentation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Address was made before the Department of Youth Authority on October 6, 1989 in Pacific Grove, California.

Annotation

The most serious problem the justice system faces today is prison overcrowding.

Abstract

In five key measurement States -- California, New York, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia -- drug-involved prison and jail sentences rose by 102 percent. In this country, there is a high incarceration rate per capita -- about 244 people per every hundred thousand population. The incarceration per crime is quite low -- only about 125 admitted to prison for each 100,000 serious crimes committed. This means that the deterrence value of incarceration is surprisingly low. In an effort to increase the deterrent power, National Institute of Justice research is concentrating on finding new ways to control criminals without further encumbering an overburdened system of justice. Electronically monitored house arrest is one way that may be particularly suited to drug offenders. Work furlough programs, more efficient prisoner classification systems, and drug testing are other options being explored around the country.