NCJ Number
107076
Journal
State Legislatures Dated: (August 1987) Pages: 22-25
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In the face of serious prison overcrowding, correctional agencies have two options: build more prisons or place offenders back in the community.
Abstract
Because prison construction is expensive and because there is continued public demand to punish offenders, States are experimenting with a number of intermediate sentencing options. These include intensive probation supervision programs, which use small caseloads and stringent probation conditions and often require restitution or community service; house arrest with or without electronic monitoring; and court-ordered unpaid labor. Other options include boot camp type correctional facilities, halfway houses, and the use of community sponsors. Advocates of such options cite their cost effectiveness, flexibility, and potential for rehabilitation and social reintegration. Conversely, opponents feel that such sentences may be too lenient, provide potential for privacy infringements, or focus too much on guarding and not rehabilitating offenders. If such programs are successful, the system will have demonstrated its ability to design alternatives that are safe, hold offenders accountable, and are financially effective. If they fail, the public is likely to call for more incarceration.