NCJ Number
104044
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 48 Issue: 8 Dated: (December 1986) Pages: 94,96,98,100,102
Date Published
1986
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is taking new directions in research. This research points to the need for a stronger capability to control dangerous convicted criminals and ex-convicts.
Abstract
Due to increased caseloads, convicted offenders cannot be adequately supervised. Thus, three-quarters of these offenders are paroled or put on probation. NIJ is working to provide probation officers with the kinds of tools they need to implement important tasks and achieve professional goals. In addition, NIJ is looking at how to expand facilities to manage serious offenders who must be imprisoned and to minimize the potential for violence. NIJ research is focusing on classifying offenders and on finding the most cost-effective ways to expand prison capacity. There is a need to establish a greater span of sentencing options to ensure public safety. One approach, intensive supervision, requires strict curfews and requires offenders to maintain employment, provide community service, remain drug- and alcohol-free, and make restitution to their victims. Another approach, electronic monitoring, allows enforcement of house arrest, curfews, and intensive surveillance programs. A third research area on drug testing technology has provided a drug use profile within minutes.