NCJ Number
160965
Date Published
1994
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) of the Virginia Department of Corrections was evaluated with respect to its impacts on diversion, recidivism, cost, and implementation.
Abstract
The program began in 1991 using a combination of State and Federal Anti-Drug Abuse Act funds. The research used a sample of offenders terminated from the program at four sites in fiscal year 1992 and a matched comparison group not involved in intensive supervision. The analysis revealed that overall, ISP appears to be a valuable program that responds to a number of correctional system needs. ISP offenders received more supervision and treatment than did offenders on standard community supervision and that 71 percent of probationers on ISP were estimated diversions from incarceration. However, the lack of significant differences between the recidivism rates of ISP and comparable non-ISP offenders, combined with problems related to staffing, training, documentation, and resource allocation, indicate a need for program modification. Areas recommended for further study or modification include program goals and operation, officer staffing patterns, client service delivery networks, offender assessment instruments and program selection criteria, officer training and safety, procedures for tracking and reporting offender treatment, and communication between agencies regarding offender treatment and program management. Figures, map, and response from the Department of Corrections