NCJ Number
97165
Date Published
1984
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The structure of the correctional system needs changing to create a system of realistic sanctions that will increase confidence in community corrections and reduce recidivism.
Abstract
This correctional need results from the current crisis in criminal justice, as reflected in the rising volume of crime, the impracticality of significantly increasing the use of incarceration, the public's negative view of community-based sanctions, the overrepresentation of minorities in the offender population, and the prevalence of vocational skill deficites among serious offenders. Throughout the history of probation, control and service have been combined. These incompatible functions should be separated. Probation officers must become advocates for their clients. The court should control the investigative function, and probation officers should no longer be responsible for the surveillance of probationers; the police should handle surveillance. Corrections should be reorganized under a State department of corrections, which would be responsible for setting standards and helping counties recruit and screen personnel. Each county would establish a department of corrections, which would have five operational units and would administer all local correctional programs. A county correctional council would oversee the county corrections department. This reorganization would not necessarily reduce crime in the short term, but it would make the functions of community corrections realistic and consistent with what is known about offenders and their control. Questions raised by the author's colleagues, their answers, a note, and a list of eight references are supplied.