NCJ Number
205830
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2004 Pages: 231-241
Editor(s)
Kent B. Joscelyn
Date Published
May 2004
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effectiveness of probation in achieving one of its stated goals: protecting public safety.
Abstract
Probation is one of the most common sentences in the criminal justice system. California has close to 340,000 offenders on probation. Between 1995 and 2000, California’s probation population increased by nearly 20 percent. Probation is relied on extensively because it offers a relatively cost-effective alternative to more traditional sanctions, such as jail or prison terms. However, there are concerns that probation caseloads may be linked to public safety. The concern is whether high probation caseloads encourage recidivism and thereby threaten public safety. This study attempted to answer the question: are probation caseloads linked to overall crime rates? The study first sought to determine what the current research suggests and then conducted an empirical analysis of the effects of probation caseloads on public safety. The study measures the link between the level of probation services and the crime rate, particularly the property crime rate. The findings indicate that higher caseloads appear to be associated with an increase in the property crime rate. Also, high caseloads are likely associated with diminished access to other probation related services, such as drug treatment and job training. While probation caseloads and crime rates are positively associated, it may be too simplistic to assume that more supervision is better supervision. The nature of the supervision must be taken into consideration, as well as the classification of offenders, probation officers, and treatment programs. References