NCJ Number
103263
Journal
Journal of Probation and Parole Issue: 17 Dated: (Fall 1986) Pages: 1-4
Date Published
1986
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Implemented in 1983, Florida's Community Control 'House Arrest' program has eased the State's prison overcrowding problem by providing an effective and viable diversionary alternative.
Abstract
Under the program, controlees are provided with close surveillance and supervision to help ensure that they stay in their homes except while working at paid employment to support themselves and dependents, performing free public service work in the community, or performing other activities approved by the community control office. Controlees contribute from 150 to 200 hours of public service work, meet with the control officer a minimum of 28 times per month, and are subject to all other conditions of regular probation. As of March 31, 1986, there were 5,173 controlees under supervision, and 12,003 offenders have been placed in the program since its inception. Based on sentencing guidelines, 70.3 percent of controlees are bona fide diversions. The program's failure rate of 14.6 percent is respectable. Finally, its cost of $2.86 per day for controlees compares favorably with the $27.64 per day operating cost for imprisonment. 10 references.