NCJ Number
144274
Date Published
1992
Length
36 pages
Annotation
Data were collected by the Oregon Department of Corrections on two populations: felony offenders under community supervision and prison admissions on parole or probation immediately prior to admission. The study hypothesized that correctional workloads, populations, and costs are determined by decision makers in the legislature and criminal justice system rather than by crime rates and offender characteristics.
Abstract
The results showed differences between revoked offenders and those in the general supervision population, as well as variation among counties in rates of revocation and use of alternative sanctions. Revoked offenders were most likely to be young black males under supervision for property crimes; they also had high risk scores and multiple prior convictions and incarcerations. Revoked offenders were slightly more likely than others on probation to have treatment or service requirements as special conditions of their supervision. Revocations were ordered because of violations of supervision conditions, criminal behaviors, and new crime convictions. Differences in county revocation rates could not be explained reliably. One way to reduce revocations would be to deemphasize offender surveillance and enhance services for probationers and parolees, thereby reducing violations. Even in responding to violations, the courts could reduce the number of revocations by expanding the availability of intermediate sanctions and promoting their more consistent use. 7 tables