NCJ Number
126109
Date Published
1990
Length
36 pages
Annotation
Trends in drug abuse are examined in terms of their implications for the criminal justice system with emphasis on the connection between drug-related offenses and prison overcrowding and on the possible use of private correctional facilities to address the issue in Texas.
Abstract
The discussion notes the decline in public tolerance for illegal drug activity has resulted in increased penalties and has compounded the existing problem of prison overcrowding. In addition, current trends also indicate that State criminal justice systems will face unprecedented demand for prison space in the future. Therefore, the possibility of using the private sector to augment prison capacity needs warrants consideration. In Texas, approximately one-fourth of the drug-offense admissions could be eligible for private correctional facilities. These offenders are those with sentences of 5 years or less who have been admitted to prison for non-aggravated drug possession offenses. Figures and tables