The Continuum of Corrections

Abstract

The work of the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice brought into sharp focus problems arising from the fragmented character of the criminal-justice system in the United States. State and local study groups which became involved in the development of plans for compreshensive criminal-justice systems must take into account recent developments in correctional services. The emergence of community-treatment centers, work-release, and furlough programs provides new opportunities to rein force the process of reintegrating the offender into the com munity. As the new programs have been introduced and corrections has broadened its base in the community, the traditional jurisdictional lines between probation, institutional services, and parole have become blurred. This poses an interesting range of organizational problems which will give impetus to a realignment of correctional programs. Reports of two studies—one in New York and one in New Jersey— tend to highlight some of the issues involved and suggest directions which might be explored by state crime commissions in other jurisdictions.