NCJ Number
232545
Journal
Victims & Offenders Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2009 Pages: 420-426
Date Published
October 2009
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews research on reducing incarceration rates.
Abstract
The United States incarcerates more people than any other developed country despite little evidence that high incarceration rates reduce crimeand evidence they can actually increase crime. In this paper, the authors review research on reducing incarceration rates through diversion and early release programs as well as effective rehabilitation and correctional interventions. This paper also discusses how such research can guide policy decisions. It examines how other developed countries have kept incarceration rates low, especially those that have successfully reduced incarceration rates without a corresponding increase in crime. These nations suggest how we can move from a "lock 'em up" mentality to rational correctional policies. (Published Abstract)