NCJ Number
188977
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 429-448
Date Published
June 2001
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This paper considered a theoretical model consistent with the possibility that the relationship between intensity of community supervision and recidivism is indirect and tested this model using data from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina.
Abstract
The research followed offenders from several comparison subsamples (shock incarceration program completers, dropouts, prison parolees, and probationers) during the first year of community supervision. Offenders all met the formal eligibility criteria for inclusion in the shock incarceration programs in their States, but the assignment was not random. Variables analyzed included subsample membership, age, race, presence of a prior offending record, and type of offense. Results supported the study’s predictions and were also consistent with a number of alternative models. Therefore, it would be premature to conclude that the findings demonstrated the validity of the study model. The analysis concluded that intensity of supervision is positively associated with involvement in prosocial activities and is not associated consistently with involvement in new criminal activities. In addition, an inverse association exists between involvement in prosocial activities and involvement in new criminal activities after adjusting for measured factors thought to affect both outcomes. Footnotes, figures, and 36 references (Author abstract modified)