NCJ Number
121648
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 52 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1990) Pages: 44,46
Date Published
1990
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The 1990's will require a total systems approach, so that offenders entering the criminal justice system are dealt with swiftly, justly, and efficiently at every step.
Abstract
In the early and mid-1980's the National Assessment Survey found that prison and jail crowding was the primary problem faced by the criminal justice system. The 80's also saw a resurgence of capital punishment and an increase in the number of death-row inmates; new health issues; a growing number of special populations such as the elderly, mentally ill, and disabled; more juveniles; and an increase in female offenders. Tougher crime control strategies and targeted law enforcement efforts will intensify these issues in the years to come. The total systems approach to addressing these issues requires coordination of every component of the criminal justice system. A comprehensive corrections plan can increase the number of facilities and their capabilities through cost-efficient construction, creative financing methods, and new renovation and conversion possibilities. The growing number of special populations will require new thinking by architects and administrators to meet inmates' special health, program, and management needs. Through new technology and innovations, new programs such as intensive supervision, restitution, community service, house arrest, electronic monitoring, and shock incarceration can be enhanced and used more often.