Abstract
In response to growing concerns among stakeholders and policy makers regarding crowding in Nebraska correctional facilities, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) partnered with the Nebraska Center for Justice Research (NCJR) to examine causes and solutions. The evaluation was meant to provide recommended changes needed to ease growth and help maintain safety within the facilities. Findings revealed a growing crowding issue in facilities, and that expanding bed space in existing facilities only provides a temporary relief and effectively increases the prison population over time. Further, as crowding persists, mixed custody housing units are used and contribute to higher rates of serious and violent misconducts. Finally, ‘short timers’ or those with less than a year to serve, receive little rehabilitative programming and may be a population in need of alternative housing. In light of these findings, NCJR recommends limiting new prison construction only as ‘infrastructure replacement’ and strategically moving lower risk short timers to be housed in jails/alternate locations.
Zachary Hamilton
Professor
My research centers on innovation in risk and needs assessment development.
Alex Kigerl
Research Associate
I am an RNA development expert, specializing in data management and analysis.
Baylee Allen-Flores
Ph.D. Candidate
My research interests are risk-needs assessments, implementation science, prison misconduct, and prison policy.
Addison Kobie
Ph.D. Candidate
John Ursino
Ph.D. Candidate
My research focuses on advancing evidence-based practices in criminal justice. Primary areas of research include evaluating and constructing risk-need assessments to enhance decision-making processes, addressing challenges related to prison and jail crowding, and exploring correctional system reforms.