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Two Approaches for Determining Jail Needs

NCJ Number
189804
Author(s)
Allen R. Beck Ph.D.
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper describes two approaches for determining jail needs.
Abstract
Jail needs can be determined either by a "quick study" or an "offender population management study." These two types of assessments can be distinguished by the amount of new data collected and the thoroughness of inquiry. The quick study provides a description of needs drawn from available data and opinions of criminal justice agency representatives. If data are not on hand or easily obtained, the analyst resorts to opinions or omitting various aspects from consideration. The Offender Population Management Study provides data that will support development of a two-pronged strategy that controls jail population growth and ensures that the jail is part of a continuum of appropriate supervision and treatment options. The Offender Population Management Study must address comprehensiveness, coordination, timeliness, and explicitness. It requires a variety of data collection activities, including: (1) interviews (with law enforcement staff, jail administrators, judges, prosecutors, and public defenders, among others); (2) data collection on inmates; (3) criminal justice system case processing data; (4) review of criminal justice agencies' policies, procedures, and program selection criteria; and (5) site reviews. The paper describes the Offender Population Management Study as cost effective and efficient, and suggests that a thorough review of the system will benefit criminal justice agencies and the community.