NCJ Number
204456
Date Published
April 2002
Length
76 pages
Annotation
This report explains the current state of sentencing practices, population trends, and correctional treatment in Delaware, with attention to sentencing reform efforts led by the Sentencing Accountability Commission (SENTAC).
Abstract
Regarding sentencing trends, what began as a five-step hierarchical framework for punishing offenders has evolved into a multilayered system designed to hold offenders accountable as well as to foster rehabilitation. This study found that the overall goals of SENTAC are largely being met, as sentencing patterns show that serious and violent offenders are being incarcerated for appropriate periods while less serious offenders are sentenced to less restrictive and less expensive correctional supervision. Delaware has established a comprehensive system of therapeutic community (TC) services throughout the correctional system. A continuum of treatment that begins in the prisons and transitions offenders into the community reduces recidivism. Although the State has established a continuum of TC services to provide institutional treatment, transitional services, and aftercare, too few offenders are receiving the full benefit of this continuum. This report recommends continued examination of issues related to violations of probation, support for more comprehensive examination of the Level IV and Level V Department of Corrections "count" populations, and an expansion of work release capacity in Level IV. Ongoing improvements in the correctional treatment continuum are recommended, along with support of a process that would re-examine the ways offenders are placed in treatment services. Also, SENTAC should be provided with the resources to monitor and examine the impact of corrective actions, as well as their overall impact. 18 figures, 11 tables, 26 references, and appended research plan