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Jail and Prison Overcrowding: Toward a Solution

NCJ Number
136838
Date Published
1989
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA), a nonprofit criminal justice agency established in 1977, offers systematic needs assessment and master planning strategies to assist State and local corrections officials to reduce prison and jail overcrowding.
Abstract
NCIA services include analysis of the policies and procedures of a local criminal justice system, profile and analysis of the incarcerated population, specific and practical recommendations on reducing the institutional population, and forecasts of future jail space needs. Alternative programs advocated by NCIA include a strict, conditional bail program for non-violent inmates, additional staff to facilitate pretrial release programs, increased sentencing options, community-based diversion programs, and administrative adjustments in areas including program eligibility and release criteria. The Center has worked for correctional systems in Georgia, Alabama, Delaware, Idaho, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Minnesota, and Maryland.