NCJ Number
210496
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 40 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 1-25
Date Published
2005
Length
25 pages
Annotation
Following a historical review of boot camps, this article summarizes evaluation findings, and research methodologies for boot camp research are assessed and recommendations offered.
Abstract
To many policymakers facing the worsening problem of prison and jail overcrowding under "get-tough-on-crime" policies, boot camps were a logical solution. For conservatives, boot camp was viewed as a secure facility that promoted a rigid regime considered punitive as well as a militaristic format that would cultivate self-control. For liberals, boot camps appeared to offer rehabilitative and educational services while reducing overcrowding in conventional custodial facilities. The preponderance of evaluation research, however, does not support the effectiveness of boot camps in altering behavior or antisocial attitudes; for example, a recent meta-analysis of 44 independent comparison-group contrasts did not find a significant difference in recidivism between boot camp and traditional interventions. Such evaluation studies, along with various abuses in boot camp operations, have led to a decline in their numbers as well as their daily populations. There is still some question as to whether some aspects of boot camps are or can be effective with some offenders, given differences in the length, program components, aftercare services, and implementation of the various camps. Evaluation methodologies are examined, and recommendations are offered for future boot camp evaluations. 102 references