Alternatives to Incarceration

Running Head : Alternatives to Incarceration

An Overview of Alternatives to Incarceration

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Abstract

Incarceration is the most commonly used method of punishing offenders However , the prison population has shown considerable growth over the years . Based on latest figures , the United States leads the way as far as prison population growth is concerned . In efforts to reduce the criminality and recidivism , world societies are now looking for alternatives to incarceration

This will focus on the various incarceration alternatives Likewise , this research will look on

the features and processes involved with methods such as diversion , determinate and indeterminate sentences probation , and others

An Overview of Alternatives to Incarceration

Introduction

In the long history of mankind , the most commonly used method of punishing criminals and offenders is incarceration . However , over the years , as the wheels of justice continue to turn in favor of the hapless victims , there have been instances and facts that necessitate the need for finding alternatives to incarceration . As more and more offenders are sentenced , the problem of overcrowding becomes a major concern

Below are some facts that will show why there is a need for justice systems worldwide to consider other options for punishing their criminals

The number of inmates incarcerated in prisons all over the world continues to rise . In the United States , for example , the rate of imprisonment is 737 for every 100 ,000 Americans , which makes the country the leader in the world in this category . In Russia , the incarceration rate is 611 per 100 ,000 . Overall , prison population worldwide has grown by 51 (Karberg Beck , 2004 , cited in The Sentence Project , 2006

Since 1991 , crime rates worldwide have dropped considerably . This goes to show that the reason for an increased prisoner population is not due to criminality but because of policy changes as well as the prison sentence of the inmates . Because of policies like three-strike ' rule mandatory sentences , and truth in sentencing . Prison sentences throughout the world reflected a 30 increase in prison sentence (Karberg Beck , 2004 , cited in The Sentence Project , 2006

The Federal prison system is consistently registering record percentages up by 4 from the middle of 2003 to 2004 (Karberg Beck , 2004 , cited in The Sentence Project , 2006

Reforms in the sentencing process have been initiated in an effort to lower the cost of incarceration . However , even the amount of reforms was not enough to put an end to the increase in prison population (Karberg Beck , 2004 , cited in The Sentence Project , 2006

In accordance with the sentencing reforms initiated in Federal and state prisons , changes in sentencing policy were likewise initiated . In California , there three strike ' policy has added 7 ,335 more inmates sentenced to a minimum of 25 years to life imprisonment (Karberg Beck 2004 , cited in The Sentence Project , 2006

There are more female inmates now than before . In 2003 , there were more than 100 ,000 women incarcerated and presently it is at 107 ,500 inmates (Karberg Beck , 2004 , cited in The Sentence Project...