NCJ Number
101636
Date Published
1985
Length
76 pages
Annotation
Twenty-six inmate population management options are proposed to reduce jail overcrowding in San Diego County, Calif.
Abstract
Computer-generated or manually generated studies of the inmate population and the criminal justice system are proposed to remedy the lack of data on the causes of jail crowding. A study of the inmate classification needs of the jail and honor camps is recommended to reduce overclassification, and a uniform, countywide field citation program is proposed to reduce the number of pretrial detainees. Other options that can reduce detentions include an interagency policy on charging, a prebooking screening process, and an administrative fee for filing inappropriate charges. The development of a uniform jail citation policy and experimentation with a lowered bail schedule are also recommended as options a lowered bail schedule are also recommended as options for reducing the jail population. Options for increasing public defender access to the jail are designed to facilitate legal action for defendants' early removal from jail. Alcohol treatment programs, a countywide policy on the use of the existing detoxification facility, and a separate facility for the detention of auto/alcohol offenders are recommended to reduce the large number of auto/alcohol offenders in the jail. Other proposed options include a jail-use policy for illegal aliens, modified procedures for handling warrants and holds, preprocessing centers, judicial training, a 'fast track' for continued cases, and more sentencing alternatives to jail. The impact (bed reduction, negative consequences, costs, and resource requirements) of each option is examined.