NCJ Number
108298
Date Published
1986
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This report examines a Texas project to provide intensive parole supervision, with emphasis on the research methodology used to evaluate the project, the research findings, and policy recommendations.
Abstract
The Intensive Caseload Project has operated in Region V (Fort Worth, Tex.) for approximately 2 years. Caseloads have been approximately 40, which is about half the average caseload size in the region. Three parole officers have been assigned intensive caseloads during the project. The method of assigning cases made it difficult to develop a control group for comparison purposes. The research sample consisted of all 113 active cases in the intensive project in January 1985 and a random sample of 266 similar cases that were supervised as part of a regular caseload. Intensive officers averaged 3.4 contacts per case per month, compared to 1.6 for regular officers. Little consistency existed between contacts and arrests, but the intensive caseload cases had a lower failure rate than those on regular caseloads. A project of this nature would require from 0.5 to 1.5 additional officers for 120 intensive cases. The cost would be $625 to $1,875 per prevented arrest. This pilot project should end, but using the intensive caseload program for cases experiencing difficulties or minor violations may prove to be a meaningful sanction. Figures and one footnote.