Alternatives to Incarceration in Italy

Abstract

Efforts at promoting alternatives to confinement in Italy are still in the initial stages, but two measures have received considerable attention and are being used today: trial custody, which is comparable to probation in the United States, and day release. The move toward deincarceration rep resents a dramatic shift in Italy's juridical philosophy and image as well as juridical practice. Changes in the prison population, prison staff, and so ciety as a whole—generally reflecting an increase in educational levels and economic security—have contributed to the interest in alternative mea sures. A primary source of resistance to the introduction of reform has been the military staff. By fostering the association of civil and military personnel and encouraging the collaboration of professionals, custodial personnel, and the public, reformers may be able to reduce the obstacles blocking correctional reform.