Boot Camp Corrections: A Public Reaction

• NCJ Number: 126861
• Author(s): A K Gauthier; P L Reichel
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 26 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Washington, D.C., March 30, 1989

Annotation

A survey that explored public attitudes toward shock incarceration as an alternative to imprisonment found broad support for such programs among both male and female respondents of all ages, occupations, educational and income levels, and regardless of whether they saw themselves as having liberal, moderate, or conservative opinions on crime and punishment.

Abstract

The survey was completed by 139 people in hotels, offices, stores, homes, and classrooms. The questionnaire began with a paragraph that defined "boot camp" programs and asked 12 questions about attitudes toward such programs. Seventy-eight percent replied that they would support the use of such a program in their state. The respondents also agreed that the program would be most appropriate for either male or female nonviolent, first-time offenders. The results showed that the public will support alternatives to imprisonment for both deterrent and rehabilitative reasons. In addition policymakers should propose creative alternatives and should emphasize both rehabilitative and punitive features, rather than assuming that the public is concerned only about punishment. Figures, tables, and 16 references