NCJ Number
214556
Journal
The Annals Volume: 587 Dated: May 2003 Pages: 160-177
Date Published
May 2003
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the findings of a systematic review of current assessments of the costs and benefits of various sentencing options.
Abstract
This study found that intensive supervision was more effective in reducing recidivism than the control group's treatment, and it was cost beneficial. Because of the small research sample, firm conclusions cannot be drawn from the individual studies. The authors advise that one of the most important findings of the review is that few cost-benefit studies of sentencing options have been conducted to date. Of the nine studies identified as relevant to the determination of sentence effectiveness, only six were rated by researchers as valid cost-benefit analyses. Of these six studies, only two involved the same sentencing option, sex offender treatment programs. Both of these studies found that sex offender treatment program benefits exceeded their costs. Four cost-benefit studies assessed drug treatment, intensive supervision, imprisonment, and family and juvenile offender treatment programs. Of these studies, only one had a valid benefit-cost ratio and a research design that used a control group matched on sociodemographic details, prior offenses, and current offense. The studies were published between 1986 and 1999; eight were conducted in the United States, and one was done in Australia. 1 table and 26 references