NCJ Number
137256
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1991) Pages: 525-543
Date Published
1991
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Data from New Jersey were used to examine the effectiveness of felony probation.
Abstract
The analysis of data from more than 2,000 burglars, robbers, and drug law offenders placed on probation in 1976- 77 showed that their recidivism at 3, 4, and approximately 10 years after sentencing ranged form approximately one- third to more than one half arrested and about 10 percent imprisoned. Prior convictions, type of offense, age, race, Greenwood prediction device, the use of heroin, and employment were statistically significant correlates of recidivism. Results indicated that probation is an acceptable sentencing alternative for some felony offenders in some states, but that recidivism rates can be alarmingly high for particular categories of offenders. In addition, probation officials should devote some attention to the needs of probationers in such problem areas as employment and drug abuse. Footnotes, tables, and 27 references (Author abstract modified)