Multi-jurisdiction Research on Automated Reporting Systems: Kiosk Supervision

• NCJ Number: 250173
• Author(s): Scott Crosse; Michele A. Harmon; Ronald E. Claus; Erin L. Bauer; Carol A. Hagen; Eileen M. Ahlin
• Date Published: December 2015
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2011-IJ-CX-0010
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored)

Annotation

This study expands and strengthens the evidence base on the use and cost-effectiveness of automated kiosk reporting in supervising probationers and parolees, which is similar to an automated teller machine (ATM) that probationers use to report, submit monetary obligations, answer a series of questions related to their supervision conditions, and have their identifications confirmed without talking to a probation officer.

Abstract

This mixed-method study involved multiple components, including a telephone screener and in-depth telephone interviews; an implementation and cost study; and an outcome study. The study concludes that automated probationer kiosk reporting is as effective as officer supervision and telephone reporting with IVR in producing successful probation completion for low-risk offenders. In addition, preliminary cost data from the study indicate kiosk reporting can be substantially less costly than traditional officer reporting. Kiosk reporting can help community supervision agencies to manage high caseloads of low-risk clients more efficiently and without adverse public-safety consequences. This enables agencies to redirect scarce resources to the supervision of higher risk clients with greater needs. Many of the lessons learned from this study are addressed in a guidebook on kiosk supervision that was developed by the study for community corrections professionals. The guidebook covers the prevalence of kiosk supervision; factors associated with successful kiosk adoption and implementation; challenges faced and lessons learned from agencies currently operating kiosks; and how kiosk costs, staffing, operations, data, performance, satisfaction, and outcomes vary across jurisdictions.