NCJ Number
81042
Date Published
1981
Length
74 pages
Annotation
This investigation focused on all the probationers issued a community service order (CSO) in the pilot projects in Ontario, Canada, between December 1977 and December 1979, and reports recidivism rates and other outcomes of probationers issued such orders.
Abstract
Three instruments were used to record information obtained from probation and parole services, the local CSO organizers, the computerized adult information system of the Ministry of Correctional Services, and office files. The results were found to be highly consistent with the preliminary findings of prior phases of the study. The type of offender being selected for the CSO program tended to be a low-risk offender with nonserious criminality. The offender usually was male, single, and about 21 years of age, with evidence of a stable lifestyle. When examined individually, the 12 pilot project areas were found to be dealing with similar types of offenders. In contrast, there was little agreement among the judiciary on the actual use of the CSO option. Although the CSO program was initially intended to act as an alternative to incarceration, the low-risk nature of the CSO population indicates that it is unlikely that the CSO is being used as an alternative to incarceration to any great degree. It appears that the program is being presently used as a separate sentencing alternative. Broad variations and extremes in orders given by judges for similar offenses were evident across the Province. The overall recidivism rate for the period of time from the assignment of the CSO to 1 year following the completion of hours was found to be 18 percent. Tables, figures, and five references are supplied. Offense data and a graph are appended. (Author summary modified)