Decarceration and its possible effects on inmates, staff, and communities. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garland, Brett; Hogan, Nancy; Wodahl, Eric; Hass, Aida; Stohr, Mary K; Lambert, Eric
• Is Part Of: Punishment & society. Volume 16:Number 4(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 448
• Page End: 473
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: decarceration -- prison policy -- prison reform; Punishment -- Periodicals; Punishment -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Crime -- Sociological aspects -- Periodicals; 364.605
• DOI: 10.1177/1462474514539535
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-4745

Abstract

Few current criminal justice scholars, practitioners, and politicians expected to witness the phenomenon of decreasing correctional populations. Yet, there is evidence at local, state, and regional levels of significant declines in the growth of incarceration and even decreases in the size of prisoner populations. In this article we delineate the extent of decarceration and examine the context in which it has occurred. We then explore possible positive and negative outcomes resulting from decarceration and conclude with an agenda for advancing a decarceration movement.