THE OFFENDER IN THE COMMUNITY - IMPLICATIONS OF THE EXPERIENCE IN THEUNITED-STATES FOR THE NEW CZECH-REPUBLIC

This paper reviews America's community corrections history in order to draw relevant renal policy implications for the Czech Republic in the ir transition to democracy. The review reveals the implementation of n umerous community-based correctional programs that have resulted in mi xed results, at best. The paper concludes that if the Czech Republic i s to advance a new and professional, effective penal system, they must address five critical areas: dealing with the Romany underclass, esta blishing intermediate sanctions, promoting a professional correctional work force, confronting the media coverage of crime, and managing the politics of crime policy.