NCJ Number
165613
Date Published
1996
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper explores elements that need to be considered in cost savings models of boot camp programs, based on information from the New York experience as an example.
Abstract
One of the stated goals of New York's shock incarceration program is to reduce the demand for bed space and thus minimize prison overcrowding. The cost savings model in New York considers the fiscal impact of boot camp programs from their inception, and dollar savings are considered to be cumulative. The cost savings model considers the following factors: fiscal year expenditures for shock facilities versus general confinement facilities, time to earliest parole release from custody of shock program graduates, security level of shock program graduates at reception, amount of time shock graduates spend in correctional custody before their release to parole supervision, proportion of shock inmates who would not be released to parole supervision at their first opportunity and average duration of prison stay if boot camps did not exist, costs of constructing medium and minimum security prison beds, average number of vacant beds in boot camp programs, and number of inmates removed from boot camps before program completion. Differences between operating shock and nonshock facilities are examined, based on expenditures and cost savings, and costs associated with boot camp operations are evaluated. The value of community service by boot camp program graduates is also noted. 20 references and 1 table