NCJ Number
219903
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 87 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 311-327
Date Published
September 2007
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined the differences between education programs offered within various correctional institutions, specifically two Maryland State correctional facilities.
Abstract
The overall conclusion from this research is that the inmates at the boot camp facilities made significantly more advances in educational achievement compared to those at the traditional prison facility. Two major conclusions were drawn from the study. The first major conclusion is that there were major differences in opportunity for education between these two facility types and inmates at the boot camp had significantly greater access to education. The second conclusion is that when equivalent groups between the facilities were compared by controlling for access, there was also an increased likelihood of obtaining a GED for inmates at the boot camp facility over the traditional facility. It appears that the small therapeutic boot camp was more successful at handling both issues, making education more accessible and producing greater educational gains. Years of research examining the effectiveness of educational programs during incarceration have made it apparent that these programs are effective in reducing later recidivism. However, research has noted that running successful educational programs in prisons is a challenging task. This research study examined a group of offenders recognized by the criminal justice system as offenders who could be successful in a short-term incarceration program emphasizing treatment and rehabilitation. Offenders were randomly assigned to a boot camp or traditional prison. The study examined the effect of a short-term incarceration program where inmates serve time in a small facility with a military atmosphere and a strong focus on rehabilitation and treatment. The comparison inmate group, also serving a short term were sent to a large facility where they were integrated into the prison population. The study sample consisted of 228 inmates who were randomly assigned between the Herman L. Toulson Boot Camp (TBC) and the Metropolitan Transitional Center, both in the State of Maryland. Tables, references