§ 642.101. Legislative intent.

The Council hereby finds and declares:

(a)

In order for the City's correctional institutions to continue to contribute to the reduction of crime, these institutions must adopt proven methods and programs for the accomplishment of crime reduction. Through the adoption and implementation of these proven programs taxpayer dollars spent for incarceration will be reduced and the mission of corrections, that of rehabilitation, victim rights and productive reintegration of offenders into the mainstream of society will be aided.

(b)

It is clear that major changes in correctional methods are occurring. It is essential to continue the development of community-based corrections and to provide alternatives to institutionalization. The vast majority of offenders return to society. The changes in correctional methods can provide the offender, through programs such as Restorative Justice, the opportunity to find or keep meaningful employment, be a productive citizen and to be reintegrated into the community. Restorative Justice Programs will allow victims of crime and the community to have active and important parts in the goals of community justice.

(c)

It is the intent of the Council:

(1)

To separate dangerous or repeat offenders from nondangerous offenders, who have potential for rehabilitation, and place nondangerous offenders in secure noninstitutional surroundings as an aid to their rehabilitation.

(2)

When possible, to divert from expensive institutional commitment those individuals who, by virtue of professional evaluation, can be placed in less costly and more effective environments and programs better suited for their rehabilitation and the protection of society.

(3)

To provide intensive and meaningful supervision for those on release so that the condition or situation which caused the person to commit the violation is corrected.

(4)

To utilize the authority granted by F.S. § 948.90 to develop, establish and maintain community programs to provide the judicial system with community alternatives for offenders who require less than institutional custody but more than probation supervision.

(5)

That the Sheriff is authorized to use any or all of the innovative methods expressed in this Chapter.

(Ord. 84-473-282, § 1; Ord. 2000-1087-E, § 1)