NCJ Number
26049
Date Published
1975
Length
54 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION OF A PROGRAM FOR MISDEMEANANT OFFENDERS STAFFED BY COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A PAID PROFESSIONAL STAFF TO ACT AS PROBATION COUNSELORS IN SPOKANE COUNTY.
Abstract
THE PROGRAM REQUIRED THE COOPERATION OF POLICE, COURTS, AND CORRECTIONS PERSONNEL IN THE LOCAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. A TRAINING PROGRAM FOR VOLUNTEERS WAS ESTABLISHED AND A TRAINING MANUAL PRODUCED. THE ADVANTAGES OF USING VOLUNTEERS WERE FOUND TO BE AN INCREASE IN SERVICES TO PROBATIONERS AND A MEANS OF CUTTING COSTS IN THE COUNTY BUDGET. THE OVERALL RECIDIVISM RATE DECREASED TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT AMONG BENEFICIARIES OF THE COUNSELING SERVICES WHEN COMPARED TO THE GROUP OF OFFENDERS WHO WERE FINED AND/OR SERVED JAIL SENTENCES DURING THE SAME TIME PERIOD.