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Michigan Prison Diversion Study

NCJ Number
115517
Author(s)
T S Bynum; M A Morash; W S Davidson; J M Basta
Date Published
1987
Length
268 pages
Annotation
This three-phase study examined the feasibility of a prison diversion program in Michigan.
Abstract
Data were collected from official records, interviews, questionnaires, and a literature review to determine (1) the offender population most amenable to diversion, (2) the feasibility of community sanctions as alternatives to incarceration and judges' attitudes toward such sanctions, and (3) the experience of other jurisdictions with such programs and the phenomenon of net-widening. Offenders most likely to be considered for diversion are those serving sentences of 2 years or less. These are primarily low-risk, property offenders with several prior probation experience. In their sentencing practices, judges emphasized the dual goals of punishment and rehabilitation, felt that the severity of sanctions should escalate for recidivists, and expressed concern about the availability of community-based programs and resources. Of the alternatives, judges favored shock incarceration and intensive probation, although they also expressed some favor for jail authorization and electronic monitoring. A sizeable minority expressed nonsupport of community sanctions. Experience with alternatives in four States suggests that additional sentencing options can enhance community correctional programs and probation services. However, success of such programs has been mixed, and the majority of offenders participating in them has not been in the targeted population. Pilot testing is recommended. Chapter tables and figures and 85 references.

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