NCJ Number
16663
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (1973) Pages: 138-147
Date Published
1973
Length
10 pages
Annotation
TRENDS IN ADMINISTRATION AND DECISION MAKING WHICH RESULT IN NEEDLESS INCARCERATION OF OFFENDERS ARE REVIEWED, AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FULL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OF DECISIONS TO INSTITUTIONALIZE AN OFFENDER ARE OFFERED.
Abstract
SOME OF THE FACTORS DISCUSSED WHICH MAY CAUSE UNNECESSARY INCARCERATION OF OFFENDERS INCLUDE PUNITIVE CORRECTIONAL PHILOSOPHIES, FINANCIAL AND POLITICAL PRESSURES ON COUNTY-BASED CRIMINAL COURTS, LACK OF FUNDS FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS, ATTITUDES OF OFFENDERS, PSYCHOLOGICAL PRESSURES ON DECISION-MAKERS TO MAKE 'SAFE' DECISIONS, AND LACK OF PUBLIC AWARENESS. THE AUTHOR SUGGESTS SEVERAL TYPES OF ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW WHICH COULD HELP REDUCE THE NUMBER OF OFFENDERS UNNECESSARILY GIVEN PRISON SENTENCES, SUCH AS REVIEW WITH VETO POWER OVER POSSIBLE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OUTCOME AND REVIEW UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES REMOVED IN TIME, PLACE, AND PRESSURES FROM THE SETTING OF THE ORIGINAL DECISION. SEVERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEWS OF COMMITMENT DECISIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED BY THE ADULT PAROLE AUTHORITY IN OHIO ARE DESCRIBED.