NCJ Number
84654
Date Published
1982
Length
16 pages
Annotation
An analysis of the extent and causes of prison overcrowding in New Jersey precedes an examination of possible alternatives to deal with the problem.
Abstract
New Jersey's State prison population increased from 6,199 on September 30, 1980, to a record high of 8,920 on January 31, 1982. Factors responsible for the overcrowding include higher crime rates and the effects of the new Code of Criminal Justice. As a result of this overcrowding, the appropriation for the Department of Corrections rose from $72 million in fiscal year 1978 to $129.6 million in fiscal year 1982. The proposed appropriation for fiscal year 1983 is $154.2 million. An additional problem is the overcrowding of county correctional facilities, which are required to allocate space for inmates sentenced to State prisons and awaiting transfer to a State facility. In December 1981, the Governor's Task Force on Prison Overcrowding recommended several ways to relieve the prison overcrowding problem. Among recommendations from the task force and other sources are changes in parole regulations, early release of inmates who meet the rigid requirements and standards for parole, community service programs, assistance to juveniles instead of incarceration, and a bond issue to finance construction of new correctional space. An appendix presents figures, tables, and a discussion of a proposal to enact legislation to limit prison populations at 105 percent of capacity.