Alexis Dunham has written that the American correctional system is largely ineffective[and] represents a terrific opportunity to rethink global correctional objectives, assess the utility of the approaches that have been tried, and refresh our thinking about what is likely to prove useful in the future.”1 What are some of the problems with jails and prisons? How do community corrections better serve the goals of correcting criminal behavior and keeping offenders from committing more crimes? What tools do those in community corrections use in order to meet these goals? For what crimes might these alternatives be most effective? How might diverting some offenders to alternative programs improve jails and prisons and benefit society as a whole? How do we determine whether community corrections programs are beneficial? Note: Use text: Community Corrections by Robert D Hanser Commentary: The problem with prisons Commentary: Need for Alternatives
