NCJ Number
95710
Date Published
1985
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The Dakota County (Minnesota) Work Service Demonstration Project was a cost-effective alternative to incarceration and demonstrated the feasibility of using community service work sanctions with adult felons and misdemeanants.
Abstract
Most of the 61 participants were first-time offenders. The sentence completions rate was higher for first-time offenders (64 percent) than for repeat offenders (28 percent). Nonprofit agency placements had a higher completion rate than those in public agencies. Offenders perceived the community service sentence as more or equally fair relative to their specific original sentence. Total program cost was $32,926, a cost of $365.84 per client; this cost was less than the cost of traditional sentences for the same offense. In implementing similar programs, preliminary planning requires a consideration of program viability and the identification of clear objectives. Guidelines for the selection of eligible clients must be developed, as must a system for determining community work service sentences. In program administration, it is important to distinguish between policy and program authority. After public and private nonprofit work sites are developed, the program is ready for intake. Presentence investigation and the use of a work service contract are recommended. A public awareness program can enhance community support. Caveats and recommendations in program implementation are presented, as are further sources of information and 6 additional readings.