Which of the following statements is NOT true about the benefits of intermediate sanctions?
A. Channeling offenders into community-based corrections increase and accelerate prison overcrowding.
B. Intermediate sanctions are generally less expensive than incarceration in either jail or prison.
C. Intermediate sanctions are believed to offer more rehabilitation potential than incarceration.
D. Intermediate punishments are designed for offenders believed to pose too much risk for probation services but not enough risk to be sent to prison.
I think it's A. but not sure.
Right.
You are correct. Statement A is NOT true about the benefits of intermediate sanctions. Intermediate sanctions are actually intended to reduce prison overcrowding by providing alternative options to incarceration. So, the correct answer is A.
To determine which statement is NOT true about the benefits of intermediate sanctions, let's analyze each option:
A. Channeling offenders into community-based corrections increase and accelerate prison overcrowding.
To evaluate this statement, we need to consider whether channeling offenders into community-based corrections actually increases and accelerates prison overcrowding. The argument here is that instead of reducing prison capacity, intermediate sanctions may contribute to overcrowding. However, this statement is NOT true. Intermediate sanctions, such as house arrest or electronic monitoring, are intended to divert offenders from incarceration, thereby reducing the strain on prisons and decreasing prison overcrowding. So, statement A is not the correct answer.
B. Intermediate sanctions are generally less expensive than incarceration in either jail or prison.
To assess this statement, we need to determine whether intermediate sanctions are, in fact, less expensive than jail or prison. This statement is generally true. Intermediate sanctions typically cost less than incarcerating offenders in jails or prisons. By utilizing community-based alternatives, such as probation or intensive supervision, the financial burden of housing and feeding offenders in correctional facilities is reduced. Therefore, statement B is true and not the correct answer.
C. Intermediate sanctions are believed to offer more rehabilitation potential than incarceration.
To evaluate whether this statement is true, we must ascertain whether intermediate sanctions are considered to have more rehabilitation potential than incarceration. This statement is generally true. As compared to incarceration, intermediate sanctions are seen as offering greater opportunities for rehabilitation. Community-based programs can provide offenders with access to education, treatment, and support services that might be lacking within the prison system. Therefore, statement C is true and not the correct answer.
D. Intermediate punishments are designed for offenders believed to pose too much risk for probation services but not enough risk to be sent to prison.
To assess this statement, we need to determine whether intermediate punishments are indeed designed for offenders who are too high-risk for probation but not high-risk enough to be incarcerated. This statement is true. Intermediate sanctions are intended for individuals who are considered to pose a higher risk than those eligible for standard probation but do not warrant serving full prison sentences. By applying intermediate sanctions, the justice system aims to balance public safety with the utilization of community-based alternatives. Therefore, statement D is true and not the correct answer.
Based on the above analysis, the statement that is NOT true about the benefits of intermediate sanctions is A. Channeling offenders into community-based corrections does not increase and accelerate prison overcrowding; instead, it helps alleviate it.