NCJ Number
89163
Date Published
1982
Length
92 pages
Annotation
Recommendations include construction of a Melbourne remand center, a new computerized data system for prisoner records, an inquiry into ways to reduce remand time, planning for a bail hostel, and consideration of bail reform.
Abstract
The recommended capacity for a new Melbourne (Australia) remand center is 240 male and female remandees not under sentence, including persons convicted but not sentenced and those awaiting extradition or deportation who are not otherwise under sentence. The only realistic options for the site of the remand center are within the Pentridge complex or the Jeffcott Street proposal, for which some preliminary planning has been done. Although neither of the options is ideal, a modification of the Jeffcott Street proposal is the more suitable. The study has also shown an urgent need for upgrading prisoner-records and statistical systems currently used in the Correctional Services Division of the Department of Community Welfare Services. An analysis of data on persons remanded in custody in Victoria as of June 30, 1982, indicates little possibility of reducing the number of remandees by varying intake procedures, but the possibility of reducing or controlling numbers by reducing the average time on remand should be explored further. A survey of magistrates' views of the bail/remand system suggests that the number remanded will increase when a new and more humane remand center is available. A clear majority supported the proposal to establish bail hostels. The magistrates also offered proposals for changes to the Bail Act. The appendixes contain field notes, the data collection instruments, and the interim report of August 27, 1982. (Author summary modified)