Jail of the Future (From American Correctional Association Proceedings, August 16-20, 1981, P 81-85, 1982, Julie N Tucker, ed. - See NCJ-85341)

• NCJ Number: 85351
• Author(s): N R Cox
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association; National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-85341

Annotation

The jail of the future is a complex correctional system characterized by differential processing, housing, programming, and disposition, with major emphasis on comprehensive screening and classification immediately following arrest.

Abstract

Models for future jails were derived from two major search conferences and some shorter sessions conducted to elicit the views of different interest groups. Underlying all the models conceived for the jail of the future was the assumption that the primary mission of the jail is some form of social control. If these models represent the best efforts of contemporary corrections professionals, then corrections is facing a severe crisis now and in the future. The simplistic notion that the primary mission of a jail is some form of social control belies the widely acknowledged role of the jail, which is that of a supportive role in interface with other functional components of the criminal justice system in attaining justice in our society. In the jail of the future which serves the attainment of justice, minor offenses should be administratively adjudicated, and major offenses should be screened and referred for judicial disposition. Primary service delivery will be provided through a network of community correctional facilities and programs that have experienced a parallel development of sophistication and efficiency. Administrative and judicial dispositions should be characterized by indeterminate, short-term sentences with comprehensive reviews at predetermined intervals. Long-term incarceration will be reserved for the dangerous offender from whom the public cannot be protected in any other way. The problems of such a model are that local governments cannot bear the economic burden of such a process, and such a dynamic model is incompatible with the political environment of local government. Consequently, the jail of the future will be funded by State and local governments and will be managed and operated by the private sector. Eight footnotes are listed.