NCJ Number
198803
Date Published
2002
Length
115 pages
Annotation
This annual report explores the degree to which the New York State Department of Correctional Services’ Shock Incarceration has achieved it programmatic objectives and achieved its legislative intent through an ongoing evaluation and assessing the impact of Shock.
Abstract
In 1987, legislation established Shock Incarceration in the New York State Department of Correctional Services. The 6-month program was implemented to prepare young, non-violent inmates for early parole release consideration and operated in special facilities providing a schedule of rigorous physical activity, intensive regimentation, discipline, and drug rehabilitation. Building on institutional level programming, the Division of Parole created a special supervision program for Shock Incarceration parolees building upon the intensity of programming. This 14th Annual Report is in response to the Legislature requiring an evaluation of Shock Incarceration to assure its programmatic objectives are being met while assessing the impact of Shock. Findings indicate that the Department of Correctional Services and Parole have cooperated in establishing an institutional and aftercare program responding to the requests and concerns of the Legislature. Between July 1987 and September 2001, 39,639 inmate volunteers were sent to Shock facilities from the more than 73,000 legally eligible inmates screened. A fiscal analysis of Shock indicates that the program is cost effective. In addition, findings indicate that participants of Shock have made strong academic progress relative to other inmates. Shock Incarceration and Shock Parole continue to be among New York’s most effective programs for non-violent offenders. The community supervision portion of the program, known as Aftershock, is viewed as the most comprehensive program of its kind in the United States. The report is divided into two sections: incarceration phase and community supervision phase. The report presents information regarding Parole Board activity for Shock Incarceration interviews. In addition, a comparative analysis in conducted between a group of Shock graduates and two separate groups of non-Shock parolees released between March of 1988 and March of 2000. Parolees from each group were followed for up to 3-years from release. To date, the Shock Incarceration program has achieved its legislative mandate without compromising the safety of the community. Tables, charts ,and appendices A-E