Prisons & Jails Exam One (Day's 8 - 10)

What is intensive community supervision?

Frequent supervision emphasizing surveillance and control

How did community supervision philosophy change?

From treatment/training toward surveillance and law enforcement

Did intensive probation reduce new arrests?

No, arrest rates were similar to regular probation

What did intensive supervision increase?

Rule violations and incarceration for technical violations

What is a technical violation?

Means someone goes back to prison for violating supervision rules, not because they were arrested for a new crime

What are collateral consequences?

Post - release restrictions on things like housing, jobs, and voting

How can incarceration affect families?

Emotional strain, lost income, childcare loss, and disrupted support networks

How can mass incarceration weaken communities?

Less social control, weaker networks, unemployment, fear, and inequality

What is one major reentry challenge?

Finding stable housing and meaningful employment

What is the main difference in the mission of jails?

Jails serve many different detention and short term confinement purposes

Who do jails hold?

Pretrial detainees, short term sentenced offenders, supervision violators, and others

What level usually operates jails?

County/Local Level

What groups are overrepresented in jail populations?

Young, male, low income, poorly educated, and people of color

Shocking Entry to the System

Jails are often the entry point into the justice system, and booking can be loud, chaotic, and stressful. Many detainees are in crisis when they arrive.

Mental Health Issues

Many detainees have mental health histories, and jails often function like de facto mental health institutions

About how many jail detainees have a history of mental health problems?

2/3

About how many detainees are under the influence at arrest?

1/2

About how many have a history of substance abuse problems?

2/3

Medical Needs

Detainees may enter with injuries or other health problems, and constant turnover makes screening and continuity of care difficult

What booking time is recommended before bed assignment?

Under 90 minutes

Why is overcrowding a jail security problem?

More density increases altercations and obstructs supervision

What supervision is recommended in housing areas?

Direct line of sight supervision and camera surveillance

Why is staff turnover a problem?

It is linked to more rule violations and inmate assaults

What should jails provide for health services?

Dedicated space for medical and mental health care

Pretrial Detainees

People held in jail before trial, and they make up more than 70% of the US jail population

Purpose of Bail

To help ensure the defendant appears in court

Cash Bail

Full bail amount is paid to the court and is refunded if all court appearances are made

Bail Bond

Defendant pays part of the amount to a bail bond company, then the company posts bail, and the payment is not refunded

Problem with Financial Bail

It can discriminate against poor defendants because many cannot afford release

Effect of Pretrial Detention or Sentencing

Those held pretrial are about 4 times more likely to be sentenced to prison

Release on Recognizance (ROR)

Release based on a promise to appear in court, often requiring community ties like family, job, or residence