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Sentencing Alternatives

NCJ Number
103772
Author(s)
B Barton; L Longenbaugh
Date Published
1983
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This memorandum addresses community-based alternatives to imprisonment, reviewing other States' programs and describing alternative sentencing options available to Alaska.
Abstract
An overview discusses the pros and cons of community corrections, restitution, and community services sentences. Programs in four States are described to demonstrate various options. Kentucky's Pretrial Services agency illustrates pretrial release. The Minnesota Community Corrections Act develops incentives and builds local planning capabilities to assume responsibility for community corrections. Virginia's Community Diversion Incentive Program demonstrates nonresidential postsentence diversion and community service. South Carolina Work Release is a comprehensive approach to prisoner employment and work release. Each program appears to have reduced State prison populations. The memorandum suggests that Alaska consider the following: incentives for municipalities to establish community corrections programs; pretrial release services; increased residential correction centers within the State; and expanded diversion program; and expanded capabilities in restitution, community service, and other community-based work programs. Attachments include the Federal Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982 and the section on community-based services from the Model Sentencing and Corrections Act.