NCJ Number
156541
Date Published
1995
Length
69 pages
Annotation
In March 1994, North Carolina's General Assembly requested an evaluation of the IMPACT (Intensive Motivational Program of Alternative Correctional Treatment) boot camp program.
Abstract
As an intermediate sanction, main emphases of boot camp programs are on drill and ceremony, strict adherence to rules and discipline, the use of military titles and ranks, the wearing of camouflage uniforms by staff and inmates, and hard physical labor and training. The evaluation of IMPACT indicated that program elements needed to meet objectives had been implemented. Superior Court judges supported IMPACT and believed more communication between courts and program administrators would improve judicial understanding of the program and IMPACT's ability to provide the correctional response sought by the judiciary. Because the period immediately following release from IMPACT is critical for graduating trainees, North Carolina's Division of Adult Probation and Parole (DAPP) provides additional supervision through intensive probation. DAPP is also designing an aftercare program specifically to strengthen and extend the achievement attained while participating in IMPACT. IMPACT has led to cost savings for felons due to the shorter period of confinement in IMPACT compared to prison. Preliminary evidence indicates that the boot camp experience results in more positive attitudes and some degree of rehabilitation. Appendixes provide additional information on the IMPACT program and participant recidivism. 10 references, 3 tables, and 1 figure