NCJ Number
179787
Journal
American Jails Volume: 13 Issue: 4 Dated: September/October 1999 Pages: 53-54
Date Published
October 1999
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Because more inmates are being held in local jails at a time when violent crime is down, jail administrators need to manage their facilities effectively in order to maintain a humane constitutional environment.
Abstract
As of mid-year 1998, jails in the United States held or supervised 665,847 offenders, an increase of 4.5 percent over mid-year 1997. Consequently, jail administrators are faced with the problem of overcrowding and must appropriately manage the inmate population. Jail administrators can manage the inmate population by building more facilities, implementing diversion programs, or by developing community-based programs. The need for the criminal justice system to coordinate with human services agencies and others in the community to develop a case management model that will follow individuals in and out of multiple systems is emphasized. The greatest challenge is noted as the development of an early assessment tool that identifies needs in order to track an individual according to a case management plan. The process of early intervention and tracking must have clarity and consistency and must be culturally competent to address differences within inmate populations and how they are treated under community-based programs.