9.7 Conclusion
In this chapter, we learned more about the community corrections aspect of the criminal justice system while comparing the pros and cons of the various community corrections options. Then, we discussed current issues facing corrections as a whole, looking at inequities and investigating possible solutions. Finally, we learned more about the role of a parole and probation officer.
Learning Objectives
- Define the role of Community Corrections and recognize the different Community Corrections options within the Criminal Justice System.
- Compare the pros/cons of the different types of Community Corrections.
- Identify current issues facing Corrections and investigate possible solutions.
- Examine how punishment has changed over the years and how communities affect the outcomes of incarceration and supervision.
Review of Key Terms
- Community corrections: A system imposed by the court on individuals who have committed a crime in which they serve all or part of their sentence/sanction through community-based placements and programs as an alternative to incarceration.
- Diversion: A process whereby an individual, at some stage, is routed away from continuing on in the formal justice process.
- Evidence-based practices: “The objective, balanced and responsible use of current research and the best available data to guide policy and practice decisions, such that outcomes from consumers are improved”
- Mass incarceration: The reality that the United States incarcerates more people than any other country in the world.
- Overcrowding: The number of individuals incarcerated exceeding the available prison bed space.
- Parole: An individual’s release (under conditions) after serving a portion of their sentence.
- Post-prison supervision: An addendum to the sentencing matrix for the punishment of individuals, which is similar to parole in that the individual’s release (under conditions) occurs after serving their prison sentence.
- Probation: A form of a suspended sentence, in that the jail or prison sentence of the convicted individual is suspended, for the privilege of serving conditions of supervision in the community.
- Restorative justice: A community-based and trauma-informed practice used to build relationships, strengthen communities, encourage accountability, repair harm, and restore relationships when wrongdoings occur.
- Specialty courts: Courts designed to handle individuals charged or convicted with specific crimes or who have specific needs related to their crimes.
Self-Comprehension Check
Review of Critical Thinking Questions
Now that you have read the chapter return to these questions to gauge how much you’ve learned:
- Why do some people convicted of a crime get jail or prison while others do not?
- What factors are involved with the decision to use alternative sanctions versus incarceration?
- What are some of the pros/cons of each decision point?
- Does the level of punishment change based on the person? How?
- Are there other consequences involved after the punishment has been given? If so, what are they?
- What are some of the reasons we have so many people in jails and prisons?
- What impacts these levels of people under corrections?
- Can we solve these issues?
- What has been our approach to this point? Has it worked?
Licenses and Attributions for Conclusion
Open Content, Shared Previously
“Conclusion” is adapted from “9: Community Corrections” and “9.12 Current Issues in Corrections” by David Carter in SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System by Alison S. Burke, David Carter, Brian Fedorek, Tiffany Morey, Lore Rutz-Burri, and Shanell Sanchez, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Modifications by Megan Gonzalez, revisions by Roxie Supplee, licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 include updating for recency and clarity.
A system that uses community-based programs and placements as alternatives to incarceration for all or part of a sentence.
The criminal justice system is a major social institution that is tasked with controlling crime in various ways. It includes police, courts, and the correction system.
The release of a prisoner under supervision after serving a portion of their sentence.
A sentence that allows a convicted person to remain in the community under the supervision of a probation officer, instead of going to jail or prison.
A penalty imposed on someone who has committed a crime.
A facility that holds people accused of crimes awaiting trial or those convicted of minor offenses.
A facility that houses people convicted of serious crimes and sentenced to long terms of incarceration.
