NCJ Number
144619
Date Published
1993
Length
89 pages
Annotation
The impact of the increasing number of parolees released into urban communities with medium-sized police agencies in California was examined by means of a futures study that considered likely trends, events, and scenarios for the year 2002.
Abstract
The research focused on whether the State's economic conditions would require the elimination of the current parole system and its replacement with the Federal system of felony probation after early release. Other issues studied included the impact of determinate sentencing laws and the effects of increasing numbers of parolees with limited job skills. The analysis noted that funding cutbacks have reduced the availability of drug treatment for parolees, as well as educational and vocational programs in correctional institutions. State correctional officials agree that the communities from which the parolees come and to which they usually return must share some of the burden of providing jobs and social services. In addition, alternative sentencing programs are needed. Findings supported the desirability of establishing Repeat Offender Units in local communities to focus on offenders with the potential for committing a significant number of offenses. In these programs, State correctional personnel and local law enforcement agencies would cooperate to ensure that offenders meet the terms of parole and probation. Figures, tables, appended figure, notes, and 14 references