NCJ Number
74405
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (1971) Pages: 46-61
Date Published
1971
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the operation of the temporary absence program (TAP) initiated for adult prisoners in Ontario, Canada, in August 1969, and examines applicant characteristics.
Abstract
TAP primarily provides prisoners with work or educational opportunities on a live-in, work-out basis. In the first 12 months of TAP, 1,630 applications were received, of which 1,070 were approved. An examination of the first 175 applications showed that 51 percent were approved and 49 percent were denied--the high rejection rate reflecting a deliberate policy of caution in the program's initial stages. Average age of applicants for work release was 31 years, a difference of 9 years over those who sought educational leave. The type of absence requested was educational for 54 percent of the applicants and work-related for the remaining 46 percent. Apart from rejection because of security risk or unconfirmed employment, favorable or unfavorable general assessment of personality appeared to be the most decisive factor in acceptance or rejection. Nearly 1 year later, 41 of the 47 education participants were still enrolled in the program or had been enrolled until their release; and 35 release participants had remained in the program. Although only 2 percent of the eligible male inmates participated in the first year of TAP, the program has demonstrated that the discretionary power to grant temporary absence privileges can be used to significantly modify the impact of a sentence of imprisonment. The report includes 26 references and 6 tables.