Community Corrections

Community Corrections
Kit Vanden Heuvel
CJS/230
July 31, 2011
Maria Brewer

Community Corrections
Community corrections address many complex issues that plague the criminal justice system in the United States. Many alternatives have come to fruition in an attempt to decrease incarceration, rehabilitate offenders, lower crime rates, reduce recidivism, and control costs. We currently lead all other nations in producing prisoners. Community corrections could put us in a more positive and productive position of leadership.
2.3 Million!?
“Indeed the United States leads the world in producing prisoners, reflection of a relatively recent and now entirely distinctive approach to crime and punishment (Adam Liptak, 2008).” Many of these prisoners would not face incarceration in other countries for their offenses. Non-violent and other less serious offenses often lead to lengthy and expensive incarceration. Minor drug-related offenses would be an example of those who would be alternately directed to community corrections. These offenders make up a large percentage of those incarcerated in the United States. Correction professionals in other nations are bewildered and shocked by the amount of lengthy incarcerations for these types of offenses in the United States. A comparison between China and the United States helps put this in perspective. China has four times the population of the United States. They have about 1.5 million prisoners compared to about 2.5 million here. Surely we must consider community corrections for at least some offenders. Locking every offender up has never proven to decrease crime rates. We need to do a risk assessment for many of them if we want rehabilitation and a decrease in recidivism. Supervision in the community is less expensive and much more productive. Prison is a waste of time for those who can be rehabilitated. The idle time and corrupt influence of the career criminals behind bars will breed more criminal behavior for those who still have hope.
In the past, nations studied American prisoners and were impressed. Since the 1970s our incarceration rate has increased exponentially. “Get tough” on crime has been very costly. Most nations are appalled by out incarcerating rate. They now look at our example as what does not work. I feel that much of our violent crimes can be attributed to the availability and numbers of guns and weapons on our streets. This is one of many potential causes that deserve some consideration. Learning coping skills would be a better alternative to reaching for a gun. Americans lead the world in many other ways. We must improve the sentencing aspect of our criminal justice system.
Alternatives
Community corrections are sanctions imposed on prisoners as an alternative to incarceration. Community correction programs are typically run by probation and parole officials. An assessment of each offender determines a level of risk and type of treatment needed for each individual. Those with a higher risk to offend may need more surveillance and restrictions. These higher risk offenders may also have to participate in an intensive treatment program. Other lower risk offenders will use less correctional resources and may only have to report to an office once a month. Matching the right program with the right offender helps increase the effectiveness of limited resources. The quality of these programs and staff will also determine success and efficiency.
Community and family support of these programs is valuable. Much like children, the offenders and programs with the most support have the greatest potential.
Many alternatives to secure custody or incarceration exist. Halfway houses are a much needed steppingstone for probationers and parolees getting back into the community. These residential facilities provide shelter for those looking for unemployment. Often treatment is also available. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are some examples of treatment programs available at these facilities. Many for profit drug and alcohol treatment businesses are available for those living at home who need out patient care. Some counties also provide nonprofit programs that require a fraction of the cost.
The number and availability of community correction programs continues to increase. All treatment programs that promote offender accountability, rehabilitation, surveillance, saving tax dollars and recidivism should be considered. These goals are shared by community corrections and “Joe taxpayer.”
Some cultures and communities have their own specific issues. Here in Wisconsin, alcohol seems to cause more problems than other states I have lived in. Many people think that drinking and driving is acceptable behavior. I myself witnessed the majority of adults around me doing it routinely now and especially when I was a child. Often I would see adults driving off with children in their car after several drinks. My point of view may be quite different because I grew up in a house attached to our bowling alley and restaurant business. However, even our attorney general Peg Lautenschlager got a drunk driving. She was videotaped sloppy drunk in and out of her car. Currently in local news two area mayors are asked to resign because of issues with alcohol. I feel that education and treatment programs throughout the state should be more prevalent and intensive. Higher standards for elected officials are a must. These people are currently setting a very dangerous example for our youth!
Conclusion
A combination of secure custody and community corrections will address the needs of our criminal justice system. We need prisons to house those violent career criminals who have no desire or potential to change their ways. Community corrections can provide the hope for those who want to be held accountable and hope for rehabilitation. The offender is not the only one who is affected by incarceration. Often these men and women have children who depend on them for support. Many others options are and can be made available as an alternative to just locking them all up. Prison is a waste of time for many offenders. The future of corrections is community corrections and restorative justice. We must seek justice for all (victims and offenders)!

References
Adam Liptak. New York Times. (April 23, 2008) Inmate Count in U.S. Dwarfs other Nations. Retrieved July 31, 2011, from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/23/us/23prison.html

Burk Foster. (2006) Corrections: The Fundamentals, by Burk Foster. Published by Prentice-Hall. Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Retrieved July 24, 2011, from myresource.phoenix.edu

References: Adam Liptak. New York Times. (April 23, 2008) Inmate Count in U.S. Dwarfs other Nations. Retrieved July 31, 2011, from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/23/us/23prison.html Burk Foster. (2006) Corrections: The Fundamentals, by Burk Foster. Published by Prentice-Hall. Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. Retrieved July 24, 2011, from myresource.phoenix.edu