NCJ Number
125264
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-February 1990) Pages: 1,6-21
Date Published
1990
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Though hurt by becoming a dirty word in the Bush-Dukakis campaign, temporary release, or furlough, programs have tightened their regulations, made drastic changes in some places, and survived in all but two states.
Abstract
Overall, thousands fewer furloughs were granted after the political attention than in the year before, but more inmates actually went out on the unescorted leaves because of the political emphasis. A survey, taken in 1988 just before the presidential race that focused on furloughs, showed that all 52 U.S. systems had some form of temporary release program and that they were generally problem-free. Virtually all considered furloughs helpful in preparing inmates for release and improving institutional morale. A survey after the election found fewer furloughs given in 19 states, more in 17, the same in 1, 11 unknown, and 34 states allowing furlough for inmates serving life terms, but with greater restrictions. Also, as before, most furlough violations were for rule infractions. Very few inmates committed other crimes on furlough, most were escapes. Some property crimes and rare assaultive offenses were reported.