NCJ Number
81818
Date Published
1980
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This report analyzes the inmate populations of local correctional facilities in New York State on a weekday and a weekend in November 1980, discusses changes in the inmate population between April and November 1980, and offers recommendations for reducing the crowding in these facilities.
Abstract
Sixty-one local correctional facilities were included in the November survey. The survey revealed that the weekday population count for local facilities had risen by 8 percent since April, while the weekend population count had increased by 11 percent. The inmate population increases were the most pronounced in the largest facilities in the State. Population densities increased from 75 percent to 81 percent of capacity for the weekday count and from 77 percent to 85 percent of capacity for the weekend count between April and November. The largest facilities experienced both the greatest increases in density and the densest populations. Twenty-six facilities operated at or above their maximum prisoner capacity for males, females, or both in April and November. In the November survey, 42 percent of the weekday population and 44 percent of the weekend population consisted of sentenced persons. The sentenced persons were generally serving definite sentences. The numbers of persons serving intermittent sentences declined between April and November. Population growth is expected in local correctional facilities over the next several years, but expansion is not expected to meet the demands of this growth. Since 80 percent of total housing capacity is regarded as the upper limit for reasonably housing prisoners according to classification, the crowding problem is serious. Possibilities for reducing crowding include passage of a revised classification statute, reduced use of the intermittent jail sentence, the increased use of local probation sentencing, the use of 'shock probation' sentences, increased use of fines and restitution, and use of bail review programs. Other options include the increased use of appearance tickets, increasing the use of less secure space, construction of additional space, development of long-term and planned diversionary programs, and decriminalization of certain acts. Tables, footnotes, and an appendix listing local correctional facilities in the State are provided. (Author summary modified)