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Effective Alternative: Colorado's Intensive Supervision

NCJ Number
109086
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 50 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1988) Pages: 50-53
Author(s)
V Fogg
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The purpose of Colorado's intensive supervision program (ISP) is to protect public safety in a cost-effective manner by providing supervision, surveillance, and services to offenders who otherwise would have been incarcerated.
Abstract
ISP participants are supervised by specially trained probation officers whose caseloads do not exceed 25. The program has been implemented in 5 judicial districts and is expected to serve 500 offenders within the next 2 years. Selection of participants is based on a sentencing matrix and a three-stage screening process that includes an initial risk/need assessment, screening board review, and a final sentencing recommendation. Program components may include systematic case planning, community service, curfew/house arrest, drug and alcohol testing, and shock incarceration or split sentencing. An electronic surveillance component is under consideration. A case management classification system is used to determine appropriate differential intervention and strategies for eligible ISP participants. Data for 6 months in 1986-1987 indicate that 82 percent of ISP participants have remained in the program or been transferred to regular probation. Of 27 cases revoked, 87 percent were for technical violations; only one of these resulted in resentencing to a community corrections facility. Six offenders absconded. 2 tables.