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Sentencing alternatives

NCJ Number
102385
Author(s)
B Barton; L Longenbaugh
Date Published
1983
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This report by Alaska's legislative research agency provides an overview of community corrections, restitution, and community service orders; reviews other States' programs in these areas; and examines similar program considerations
Abstract
Community corrections -- the placement and supervision of offenders within the community and outside of a traditional prison setting -- require less capital and operating costs than prisons. Restitution, offenders' payment of compensation to their victims, is usually ordered as a probation condition. Community service orders require that offenders perform unpaid service for the community for a period commensurate with offense severity. Examples of community corrections programs are the Kentucky Pretrial Services Agency, a pretrial release program; Minnesota's Community Corrections Act, an example of the use of incentives and local planning capabilities to foster community corrections programs; and Massachusetts' 'Earn It' Program, an example of restitution. Other program examples are Virginia's Community Diversion Incentive Program and South Carolina's work release program. Options that could be considered in Alaska include incentives for municipalities to develop community corrections programs, pretrial release services, an increase in the number of residential corrections centers, and an expansion of the State's capabilities in restitution and community service. Attached examples of community corrections legislation.