Prison Overcrowding

Paper Summary:

This study focuses on exploring the relationship between prison overcrowding and adaptation of the situational environment in which crime occurs. Specifically, the paper explores whether a reduction in incarceration of non-violent offenders, combined with provisions for more rehabilitation and community support within at-risk communities, may contribute to reduced incarceration rates, better flow and reduced overcrowding.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Problem Statement
Background to Problem
Significance of Study
Theoretical Approaches
Literature Review
History Incarceration and Prison Overcrowding
Who's In Prison
Reasons for Overcrowding
Summary of Literature
Research Questions
Methods
Research Design
Population
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Results
Limitations of Study
Implications of this Study
Discussion/Conclusions

From the Paper:

"The reasons for overcrowding according to researchers are varied; though many researchers point to increasing incarceration of non violent offenders, particularly drug offenders. More and more researchers are arguing for alternatives to incarceration, which may include creation of rehabilitation centers and community work programs that force criminals to give back to the community while receiving health care and psychological assistance for their dependency and mental illness. Landreville (1995) provides some evidence that community sanctions may be useful for reducing incarceration rates. Still others suggest shorter sentencing may help improve the flow of prisoners and inmates thereby decreasing the number of people incarcerated at any one time, reducing prison populations even if minimally (Marciniak, 2002)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alexander, Elizabeth. A troubling response to overcrowded prisons. Civil Rights Journal, 3.1: (1998), 25.
• Clark, R.V. & Homeal, R. "A revised classification of situational crime prevention techniques," in S. P. Lab (ed.), Crime Prevention at the Crossroads, Cincinnati: Anderson (1997): 17-27.
• Gottfredson, Stephen D. & McConville, S. America's Correctional Crisis: Prison Populations and Public Policy. New York: Greenwood Press, (1994).
• "Jail Overcrowding Seen Worsening: Influence of Inmates from Rented Space, Lack of Funds Compound Woes." The Washington Post, June 12, (2005), A1.
• Landreville, Pierre. Prison overpopulation and strategic decarceration. Canadian Journal of Criminology, 37.1 (1995): 39-60.

More papers on Prison Overcrowding:

• Analytical Essay # 140901 : "Prison Overcrowding"
• Term Paper # 149473 : "Prison Overcrowding and the Criminal Justice System"
• Persuasive Essay # 148278 : "Impact of Prison Overcrowding"
• Essay # 108345 : "Prison Overcrowding"

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