NCJ Number
76691
Date Published
1980
Length
216 pages
Annotation
An evaluation of the Jail Overcrowding and Pretrial Detention Program (JO/PDP) for the period from May 1979 through September 1980 is presented; case studies of program sites are emphasized.
Abstract
The program focuses on that portion of the jail population that is detained immediately following arrest. It was initiated to complement the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration's court improvement and delay reduction efforts. The JO/PDP employed a two-phase approach. Phase I awards, ranging up to $20,000, were for problem analysis and planning; phase II awards, ranging up to $250,000, were provided for phase I implementation. Technical assistance was also provided. Awards were limited to jurisdictions with populations over 150,000 that were experiencing severe jail overcrowding problems. A total of 41 sites received program funding. In this evaluation report, case studies are presented for eight phase I sites and nine phase II sites. Phase I sites discussed included Anoka County, Minn.; Boulder County, Colo; Duval County, Fla; Genessee County, Mich; Milwaukee County, Wis; Orange County, Fla; Mercer County, N.J; and Clark County, Nev. Phase II sites addressed are located in King County, Wash; Orleans Parish, La; San Francisco, Calif; Santa Cruz, Calif; Atlantic County, N.J; State of Delaware; Dade County, Fla; Jefferson County, Ky; Multnomah County, Oreg; among others. Information distilled from each of the projects to estimate the actual number of jail days saved thus far by the program ranges from 27,000 to 80,000 days served. Despite increases in reported crime, arrests, and bookings, most of the projects have been able to remain in compliance with court orders and have been able to limit or reduce the planned construction of new jail facilities. It is recommended that programs concentrate efforts on target populations that account for substantial percentages of local jail populations, such as alcohol abuse programs. Process changes such as increased use of citations in lieu of arrest should be implemented. Advisory boards should be developed to implement these recommendations. Appendixes, eight figures, and 13 tables are included in the evaluation. See NCJ 76690.