NCJ Number
196031
Date Published
October 2000
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This federally funded monograph presents the views and perceptions of State and local criminal justice leaders and elected officials on their roles and how to achieve successful community corrections programs.
Abstract
Through the support of Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, the Center for Community Corrections conducted a survey where criminal justice leaders and elected officials stressed the need to share information, collaborate, and improve public safety. In 2000, responses were received from 91 State and local criminal justice leaders and elected officials. Leaders expressed that individuals under community corrections supervision required a range of services to reduce recidivism and claimed a successful program. This monograph outlines in five parts suggestions on how these goals can be reached and included: (1) improving intergovernmental relations and collaboration; (2) common concerns such as funding availability, public understanding and support, lack of support within and between levels of government and government agencies, the need for judicial cooperation, and lack of program development in community corrections; (3) shared principles for the improvement of intergovernmental partnerships; (4) involvement in spanning boundaries and making changes; and (5) accomplished innovations and the future. The majority of survey respondents were concerned with funding, costs, and resource issues. Respondents proposed using every possible tool and technique available to improve public safety and prevent the recycling of offenders into jails and prisons.