NCJ Number
146311
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 1-16
Date Published
1992
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the conservative approach to crime control that has resulted in prison overcrowding and attempts to find less expensive alternatives to incarceration that still appear to get tough on criminals.
Abstract
A conservative approach to crime control which emphasizes punishment of the offender has dominated corrections policies since the 1980s. These policies have led to skyrocketing prison populations. Despite prison overcrowding and the lack of evidence that incarceration policies are having any success in reducing crime, politicians are still advocating legislation that is tough on criminals. The economic realities of the 1990s, however, dictate that we cannot continue to build more and more prisons to house the still growing numbers of prisoners. Alternatives to incarceration are being developed that are cheaper but still accommodate the politically popular conservative crime control agenda. After examining conservation and liberal philosophies about corrections and the implications of conservative correctional policies, this article addresses some of the existing intermediate and alternative punishments. The author expresses concern that some of these solutions are quick fixes with problems of their own. Some of the alternatives, such as intensive probation, electronic monitoring and shock incarceration, may result in more offenders being subjected to correctional control for longer periods, with less protection of their constitutional rights and more unbridled judicial discretion.