Suchergebnisse

Abstract: In May 1985 a policy plan for crime and criminal justice was adopted by the Dutch Government, in response to growing public concern about the rising crime rate in the Netherlands. It established a set of 'material principles' for dealing with petty and more serious crimes, and examined the organisational consequences of a co‐ordinated penal policy based on differentiation and consistency. The approach adopted in the formulation of this plan stands in sharp contrast to the pragmatic and management oriented statements of criminal justice policy by British governments in recent years.

Abstract: The origin of the parole system in England and Wales, and its development in the 1970s, provide good illustrations of 'penological pragmatism', with policy and practice reacting to the recurring crises of prison overcrowding. It lacks a sound theoretical basis and clear guiding principles, although there has been a partial shift of emphasis from the 'treatment model' to the 'assessment of risk' of reoffending. A number of unresolved anomalies remain in the operation of the system, which can be removed only by a new statement of the principles that should guide parole decisions. This should be accompanied by a reconstruction of the system, extending parole eligibility to all prisoners, and establishing Regional Parole Review Boards to make decisions on short‐ and medium‐sentence cases. The national Parole Board would continue to deal with all long‐term prisoners. Consideration should be given to the introduction of compulsory after‐care for selected prisoners.