NCJ Number
51207
Date Published
1977
Length
14 pages
Annotation
THE HISTORY OF OPPOSITION TO INCARCERATION AS A MEANS OF DEALING WITH CRIME IS TRACED, AND EXAMPLES OF ALTERNATIVES TO INSTITUTIONALIZATION ARE PRESENTED.
Abstract
THE HISTORICAL REVIEW FOCUSES ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (THE QUAKERS) AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS CONCERNED WITH FINDING ALTERNATIVES TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PRISONS. A 'HUMAN RESPONSIBILITYBUILDING MODEL' IS OUTLINED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE INCARCERATION MODEL WITH ITS CUSTODIAL EMPHASIS AND DEHUMANIZING PROCEDURES. THE ALTERNATIVE MODEL INCORPORATES THE FOLLOWING FEATURES: NONEXTENSION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM; USE OF INCARCERATION ONLY AS A LAST RESORT; TREATMENT OF CAUSES INSTEAD OF SYMPTOMS OF CRIME; CONSIDERATION OF THE NEEDS OF VICTIMS; ENHANCEMENT OF HUMAN AND CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS; AVOIDANCE OF ACTIVITIES THAT BRUTALIZE SOCIETY AND DEHUMANIZE OFFENDERS; NONVIOLENCE; PROTECTION OF SOCIETY WITH A MINIMUM OF INTERFERENCE IN INDIVIDUAL LIVES; USE OF APPROPRIATE RESPONSES TO SOCIAL PROBLEMS; AND INVOLVEMENT OF EX-OFFENERS AND OTHER AFFECTED GROUPS IN THE DECISIONMAKING PROCESS. EXAMPLES ARE CITED OF APPROACHES TO KEEPING PEOPLE OUT OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (E.G., DECRIMINALIZATION), KEEPING ADULTS OUT OF CUSTODY (E.G., WARRANT NEGOTIATIONS, FIELD CITATIONS, RELEASE ON OWN RECOGNIZANCE, HALFWAY HOUSES, RESTITUTION PROGRAMS, COMMUNITY SERVICE SENTENCES, WEEKEND SENTENCES, WORK-STUDY RELEASE, SHORT PAROLE, EX-OFFENDER REENTRY SERVICES), AND KEEPING JUVENILES OUT OF DETENTION (HOMES FOR RUNAWAYS, SUPERVISED HOME RELEASE, TEMPORARY GROUP HOMES, NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES, ETC.) (LKM)