Community Corrections Programs

House Arrest

House arrest is a community-based corrections program that confines an individual to their residence or restricts travel instead of placing them in lockup. Individuals on house arrest are typically able to work or leave their residence for medical or probation appointments. Electronic bracelets are typically used to track the whereabouts of these individuals and monitor any violations that may occur. Bracelets are usually GPS monitoring devices. Individuals are assigned to someone who supervises them and ensures that they are compliant. House arrest is often reserved for misdemeanor cases and the length of the sentence is dependent on the crime that is committed. There are several forms of house arrest, some less restrictive than others. For example, curfew stipulates a specific time of the day that an individual has to be home while the more restrictive home incarceration requires them to be home at all times.

Probation

Probation refers to the suspension of a prison sentence or more severe law enforcement actions if an individual agrees to comply with a period of supervision. The type, length of time, and conditions of a probation sentence are usually dependent on the offense that was committed. Probation often involves restrictions on where a person can go or who they can communicate with. It may also involve drug and alcohol testing and regular meetings with a probation officer. It may also involve payment of fines, or the enrollment in a mandatory rehabilitation program. Probation violations can be met with warnings or probation hearings. Consequences of a violated probation includes jail time, severe fines, or a revoked probation.

Importance of Community-Based Corrections

Community-based correction programs are very important. They:

• Reduce institutional costs of correctional facilities
• Prevent overcrowding in prisons
• Aid community reintegration
• Help with mental and substance abuse problems that may not be properly addressed in lockup
• Aid in rehabilitation and reduces recidivism

Lesson Summary

Community corrections, also known as deinstitutionalization, are programs that manage criminal offenders outside of correctional facilities and in the community. Prison overcrowding gave rise to the increase of community-based corrections in the 1960s. Halfway houses typically house non-violent offenders, frequently have counselors on staff, and offenders are allowed to usually travel to and from work. In work release programs, the offender may leave the prison during the day to attend a job in the community. Study release programs allow offenders to leave the prison to pursue educational or vocational opportunities. Both are aimed at increasing the skill level of inmates so that they have a smoother transition into the community and increased job opportunities.

A community correction order (CCO) is a sentence that is imposed by a judge allowing an individual to serve their sentence in the community. Under house arrest, an offender serves his sentence at home while wearing a GPS monitoring device. Probation refers to the suspension of a prison sentence or more severe law enforcement actions if an individual agrees to comply with a period of supervision.