blog post Evaluating Corrections Reforms By Joseph Hayes, Sonya Tafoya Jun 12, 2014 Three years into public safety realignment, we know little about which programs and services are most effective at reducing recidivism. This is not the first time California has made a major corrections policy change without the tools to evaluate it.
Report Key Factors in California’s Jail Construction Needs By Magnus Lofstrom, Brandon Martin May 7, 2014 Now that California has shifted responsibility for many criminal offenders to the counties, county jail systems face greater capacity challenges. This report highlights two important factors in addressing jail capacity constraints: aging jail facilities and long-term needs. We show that a number of facilities are old and likely in need of costly updates or replacement and that growth in the state’s population is likely to exert significant pressure on the county jail system. Our analysis suggests that a thoughtful combination of further jail construction and decreased reliance on incarceration is needed, given the magnitude of the current and future jail needs.
event Corrections Realignment in California Jun 28, 2013 About the ProgramCalifornia has made historic changes to its public safety system by moving key responsibilities from the state to the counties. This change has dramatically reduced the state's prison population, put new stress on county jails and probation departments, and raised public safety concerns. PPIC research fellow Magnus Lofstrom will provide an overview of realignment to date, and a panel of corrections leaders will discuss challenges and opportunities for state and local officials.
