NCJ Number
17962
Editor(s)
V SMITH
Date Published
1975
Length
109 pages
Annotation
THIS PLANNING STUDY, CONDUCTED TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING A PROPOSED DIAGNOSTIC DETENTION CENTER FOR ADULT CORRECTIONS, RECOMMENDS THAT SUCH A FACILITY NOT BE CONSTRUCTED.
Abstract
ISSUES OF PRETRIAL DETENTION AND RELEASE, AND SEVERAL POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES TO DETENTION ARE DISCUSSED. THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS A DETAILED COMPUTATION OF CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONAL COSTS FOR A NEW DETENTION FACILITY, AND DETAILED COMPUTATIONS OF PROJECTED DETENTION CAPACITY REQUIRED BY 1980. PROVIDING NO CHANGES TAKE PLACE IN THE EXISTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES. IT IS STATED THAT, BASED ON THESE COMPUTATIONS, DELAWARE WOULD BE WELL ADVISED TO SET ASIDE ANY PLAN FOR BUILDING ADDITIONAL DETENTION CAPACITY IN THE NEAR FUTURE. SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE TO ALLEVIATE OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS, AFFORD BETTER PROTECTION TO THE COMMUNITY, PROVIDE BETTER TREATMENT FOR DEFENDANTS AND MINIMIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS. INCLUDED ARE RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE PRETRIAL SCREENING AND RELEASE CRITERIA; DECRIMINALIZE CERTAIN VICTIMLESS CRIMES; PROHIBIT DETENTION OF DEFENDANTS CHARGED WITH SELECTED MINOR OFFENSES; INCREASE COURT DIVERSION; ESTABLISH BY LEGISLATION MAXIMUM TIME PERIODS BETWEEN SPECIFIC STEPS IN THE JUDICIAL PROCESS; AND IMPROVE AND COMPUTERIZE ADMINISTRATIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE RECORDS SYSTEMS. TEXTS OF MARYLAND, DELAWARE, AND NEW JERSEY RULES OR CODES ON PRETRIAL RELEASE ARE APPENDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)