To this end, the study sought to establish how effective probation has been for a sample of felony probationers, identify the criteria courts use to decide whether a convicted felon gets a prison or probation sentence, discover whether the prediction of recidivism could be improved, and see if the system could develop a felony sentencing alternative that poses less risk for public safety. The results show that two-thirds of those sentenced to probation in Los Angeles and Alameda, California, were re-arrested during a 40-month follow-up period. The study concludes that the criminal justice system needs an alternative form of punishment intermediate between prison and probation. It describes such a program that incorporates intensive surveillance with substantial community service and restitution. The article concludes with several policy and research recommendations. (Author abstract)
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