NCJ Number
123081
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 51 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1989) Pages: 118,120,122-123
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Parole authorities have been given the task of reducing prison overcrowding through more early releases. This has created a number of problems.
Abstract
Some States have enacted an Emergency Powers Act, which directs the correctional system to reduce prison populations when they exceed a prescribed level. In other States, the parole authority has been directed by the governor or legislature to increase releases to reduce crowding. When this occurs, the parole board must modify its release criteria to lower the prison population. This, in turn, increases parole supervision caseloads, reduces the quality of supervision, and may even hamper the ability of the parole board to revoke paroles. Texas and Georgia in particular are restricted in revoking paroles for technical violations due to the unavailability of prison space. Both Emergency Powers Acts and early parole releases are only short-term solutions to the prison crowding problem. Neither can States afford to build the number of prisons required to accommodate the growing prison populations. Sentencing reform and the restructuring of correctional alternatives must occur if prison populations are to be controlled without compromising correctional quality. 12 references.