NCJ Number
111130
Date Published
1987
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The Massachusetts intensive parole supervision (IPS) program, implemented in 1987, was developed as an alternative to incarceration in the context of the Commonwealth's severe and growing problem of prison overcrowding.
Abstract
IPS is designed to allow high-rate male and female offenders safely serve the balance of their sentences in the community. The IPS staff includes a parole supervisor, a resource coordinator, a clerk, and four parole officers who work individually and in teams to two. Caseloads cannot exceed 25 parolees per team. During the program's first 6 months, caseloads averaged 12 per officer. The program consists of three phases of at least 2 months each, with a maximum stay in the program of 1 year. During the first phase, parolees are seen at home and at work at least twice a week, and collateral contacts are made at least twice a week to verify employment and compliance with special conditions. During the second phase, parolees receive one home visit per week and at least two collateral contacts per week. During the last phase, parolees receive at least one home visit biweekly and one collateral contact per week. In addition, all three phases include a nightly curfew with random phone and home checks; employment, job search, or enrollment in an academic or vocational program; substance abuse testing; and possibly mandatory alcohol, drug, or mental health counseling. The program also includes mechanisms for sanctioning infractions, revocations, and program monitoring. 6 tables.