According to the National Institute of Corrections, community correction refers to the management and supervision of offenders in the community (United Nations, 2018). This largely refers to parole and probation, which implies that the offender is not locked up behind bars. On the other hand, institutional correction refers to the confinement of offenders or suspects. That implies either adults or juveniles convicted or awaiting trial and adjudication. Community and institutional corrections have a lot in common and still differ in many aspects, as discussed below.
Similarities
Both community and institutional corrections are involved with offenders of civic law. Hence, both aim to promote law-breaking by limiting some offenders' freedoms while providing education to stay within the limits of the law. Besides, both forms of law and justice enforcement involve strict supervision. Any offender violating the terms faces severe legal consequences.
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Differences
Confinement
While community corrections allow the offender to go home and report for pre-agreed appointments, institutional correction will have the offender or suspect locked up until the end of jail terms or adjudication.
Weight of offense
Community corrections involve low-risk offenders, hence those that do not pose a danger to society and indicate remorse for their offense (misdemeanor). In contrast, institutional correction takes care of high-risk offenders with serious accusations (felony). These individuals would threaten the community's peace if left to roam and are incarcerated until they are fit for release after their term.
Objectives
Community corrections aim to reduce recidivism – the tendency of petty offenders to commit previous offenses. However, institutional correction aims at corrective punishment because it addresses weightier cases.
Criteria
The judge should evaluate the offense history of an individual. Offenders without a history of committing offenses can be considered for community correction depending on other factors. However, offenders with a history, especially of committing the same offense, should be recommended for institutional correction.
Criteria for deciding
The degree of offense also determines where to be best accorded. Serious offenses such as robbery with violence or illegal possession of firearms call for institutional correction. The reason being, the offender, poses a greater threat to the public if left unrestricted. However, light cases like offenders charged with drug and substance-related minor crimes can be sent to community correction. It is presumed that such offenders need practical skills to manage their emotions and affairs under substance use instead of punishment.
References
United Nations. (2018). “ Introductory Handbook on the Prevention of Recidivism and the Social Reintegration of Offenders.” Retrieved https://www.unodc.org/documents/justice-and-prison-reform/18-02303_ebook.pdf
