Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Incarceration Work Camp Program Statement Final Report

• NCJ Number: 170419
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 78 pages
• Grant Number(s): 95-SC-LX-0012
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description

Annotation

This report reviews the literature that assesses "shock incarceration" programs, profiles the Nebraska offender who might benefit from a similar type of program, presents the design of a program that combines the positive features of shock incarceration, and outlines the cost and impact of such a program for the prison system.

Abstract

Because of the overwhelming research that shows limited results of "boot camps," the report recommends that the proposed Nebraska program not be referred to as a "boot camp." Instead, the proposed name for the program is Incarceration Work Camp (IWC). The "work" component is based on non-paid work, through community service, which will be required of all offenders. The targeted population should be nonviolent offenders who are currently under a short prison sentence, typically less than 3 years. Other criteria for eligibility are to have no prior prison admission for felony convictions, be between the ages of 17 and 35, be mentally and physically fit to participate in the program, and have a recommendation for program placement from probation staff. The IWC program will combine regimentation exercises, work training and experience, and treatment for specific social deficits that prevent the living of a productive, crime-free life in the community. An aftercare component will provide a continuum of treatment and support for IWC participants upon release. A 100-bed facility with an average length of stay of 150 days has the potential of saving approximately 200 prison bed spaces per year. In addition to describing program components, this report discusses the staffing plan, physical plant requirements, and the cost of the program. Appended selections from the literature review