NCJ Number
113366
Date Published
1986
Length
83 pages
Annotation
The Michigan Alternative to Incarceration Survey identified the number, nature, and effectiveness of alternatives to incarceration in Michigan.
Abstract
In phase I of the survey, criminal justice officials identified 250 programs they considered alternatives to incarceration. The majority of respondents reported satisfaction with the services provided by these programs, although problems of program implementation and operation were identified. Many respondents indicated a need for additional alternatives to incarceration in their areas. In phase II of the survey, the programs identified in phase I were sent questionnaires that solicited information on program-related issues. A significant number of the programs were implemented after 1980. Of the 250 programs identified as alternatives to incarceration in phase I, 34 percent identified themselves as such in phase II, suggesting confusion in the criminal justice system about the objectives of these programs. Types of programs included court-based, private-based, and in-jail programs; residential and nonresidential programs; and pretrial and posttrial programs. The majority of court-based alternatives were probation-enhancement programs. Overall, there were relatively few alternatives to incarceration in Michigan, and these were recently implemented. Based on reported rates of completion, the programs, which serve a cross-section of offenders, showed no greater risk to the community than traditional incarceration. 12 figures, 1 table. For the executive summary, see NCJ-113364.