NCJ Number
146477
Journal
American Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (1992) Pages: 33-56
Date Published
1992
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Public perceptions of the use of intensive supervised probation as an alternative to incarceration are examined.
Abstract
Overcrowding in correctional institutions has led to a search for alternatives to incarceration for some offenders. Intensive supervision probation, which refers to a range of community-based sanctions, is perceived by criminal justice practitioners and government officials as one solution. This study evaluates public perceptions about the appropriateness of intensive supervision probation. A survey was sent to a random sample of 200 people selected from the telephone book. The 109 who responded answered questions in five areas: sentencing philosophy, appropriateness of intensive supervision, offense seriousness, appropriate sentences, and demographic factors. Opinions were requested in these areas with regard to three types of crime: property crimes, violent crimes, and substance abuse offenses. Log-linear analysis was used to establish the degree of support the respondents had for the use of intensive supervision probation for each of the three crime types. Respondents who were female, low income and who believed that the purpose of punishment is to rehabilitate were the most likely to support the use of intensive supervision programs. Most people viewed intensive supervision as appropriate for thieves but not for violent offenders or substance abusers. 4 figures, 4 tables