NCJ Number
105979
Date Published
1987
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews recent trends (January 1981-December 1985) in South Australia's inmate populations, examines the impact of 1983 changes in the parole laws, and considers how the number of short-term inmates might be reduced.
Abstract
During the study period, South Australian prisons have been seriously overcrowded due largely to the loss of some space at one prison due to a riot and a fire and to the high percentage of pretrial detainees. The new parole legislation allows for earned remissions of up to 15 days per month, mandates the release of inmates at the expiration of the nonparole period less earned remission, and excludes parole for sentences of less than 12 months. Although the new law has helped reduce prison populations, this has been offset to a degree by increases in pretrial detainees. Fine defaulters constitute over 50 percent of sentenced inmates in South Australia and disproportionately involve Aboriginals. A more constructive way of dealing with fine defaulters should be found. Severe sentences are not likely to have a deterrent effect on many crime categories. Preventive approaches such as Neighborhood Watch and random breath testing for drunk driving have more promise than longer prison sentences. Appended supplemental information, 7 notes, 6 figures, and 2 tables.