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Corrections Options for the Eighties

NCJ Number
70383
Date Published
1978
Length
195 pages
Annotation
The final report of the committee appointed by the Secretary of Public Safety to focus on a master plan for corrections in the State of Virginia is presented; study findings and reommendations are emphasized.
Abstract
Subjects discussed herein include offender populations, adult probation and parole, local jails, criminal justice decisionmaking, adult facilities, youth services, and organizational structure. From 1972 to 1977 the felon population in State correctional institutions increased from 5,000 to almost 7,000, a 40 percent increase. In addition, Virginia's caseload of felons on probation has also risen by 40 percent. It is apparent that future felon and jail populations will far outnumber present and projected correctional facility resources in Virginia by the period 1980 through 1985. The use of probation and parole has also increased dramatically, from about 3,800 cases in 1970 to 9.900 cases in 1978. Likewise, the number of parole cases has risen from 1,600 in 1970 to 3,000 in 1978. Study findings indicate that through the increased utilization of community supervision the corrections department can meet anticipated needs in this area. Diversion programs and referral services, focusing on offenders charged with minor, nonviolent offenses, are encouraged. With regard to decisionmaking, the committee recommends that future sentencing practices and policies incorporate an offender classification system which uses dangerousness as a primary criterion for incarceratory dispositions, a preference for nonincarceratory sentences, maximizing sentencing equity, minimizing lengths of sentences, and strengthening communication and coordination between various elements of the criminal justice system. The committee concludes that some of Virginia's adult facilities require such extensive renovation that their continued use is impractical, particularly the Virginia State Penitentiary. Institutional placement of youthful offenders must be de-emphasized, and diversion programs stressed. Footnotes, tables, graphs, figures, and references are included in the report.