NCJ Number
105345
Editor(s)
B R McCarthy
Date Published
1987
Length
7 pages
Annotation
In response to the problem of overcrowding, the Palm County Sheriff's Department (Florida) implemented an in-house arrest work release program in December of 1984.
Abstract
Inmates are selected for participation in the program after having successfully participated in a traditional work-release program. Most program participants have a sponsor (spouse, friend, parent) while in the program, although this is not required. The inmate and sponsor are interviewed prior to release, and the 14-item contract setting forth the conditions of participation are explained. Each inmate pays $9.00 per day for participation in the system and returns weekly to have monitoring equipment inspected. During a 1-year period (1984-1985), 87 inmates participated in the program; only 3 had problems (1 escape, 2 rearrests). Although over 60 percent of participants were convicted felons, 61 have been released after successfully completing their sentences. In this program, tailored to Florida law and the needs of the community, home confinement serves as a transition from work release to the community and as an intermediate punishment for a diverse group of offenders.