NCJ Number
120523
Date Published
Unknown
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This analysis of Great Britain's corrections system concludes that the use of imprisonment should be reduced, because it is expensive and inhumane and contributes only marginally to the control of crime.
Abstract
Great Britain incarcerates a higher proportion of its population than any other nation in Europe, but imprisonment rates and crime rates are not connected. In addition, imprisonment has negative effects on prisoners, with most prisoners reoffending within 2 years of release. Thus, Great Britain needs to reform its corrections policies and programs. It should increase the use of alternatives, including fines, probation, community service, and cautioning. It should also increase resources for the probation service and social services departments. In addition, it should cancel new prison construction and use the money for noncustodial penalties and crime prevention efforts. Further changes needed include establishing a legally binding code of minimum standards for prison conditions and establishing prisoners' privileges as legal rights. Further recommendations and photograph.