NCJ Number
178301
Date Published
1999
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Over the past 5 years, citizens in Queensland, Australia, have expressed strong and growing perceptions that the level and gravity of crime have increased and government officials have responded by imposing more lengthy and punitive sentences for criminals.
Abstract
As a result of the influx of long-stay prisoners, the number of people in custody in Queensland has increased at a faster rate than that of other Australian jurisdictions and prisons in Queensland are now holding almost double their intended capacity. Despite prison overcrowding, the correctional system in Queensland has performed remarkably well. Queensland has one of the most efficient prison systems in Australia and significant advances in prisoner management have been made. Because prison overcrowding has generated considerable community concern and pressure, however, the correctional system in Queensland has evolved into two sections, one concerned with economic reform and the other focused on private corrections providers. Emphasis is being placed on security and cost considerations, at the expense of customized rehabilitation, programs for special needs prisoners, and postrelease monitoring. A balance between social and economic policies is recommended for the correctional system that reduces crime, reoffending, and costs to the community. Findings of an evaluation of the correctional system are detailed, and specific recommendations to improve the correctional system are offered. Supplemental information on correctional services in Queensland is appended. Tables and figures