Supervising Drug-Involved Offenders in the Community: An Integrated Approach

The study used a quasi-experimental design, which compared matched groups of probationers assigned to Probationers in Recovery (PIR) and regular high-risk probation. Results revealed that the more intensive level of supervision in PIR resulted in higher detection of violation. PIR was successful in identifying violators and increasing the level of accountability, which is one objective of intensive probation programs. However, the ability of PIR to divert offenders away from drug use and criminality was not realized. The inability of PIR to rehabilitate offenders may be an indication that the problems of drug-abusing probationers require more long-term interventions. Findings support several recommendations for improving the effectiveness of PIR and similar intensive community supervision programs designed to rehabilitate drug-involved offenders. Tables, appended background information, and 67 references