NCJ Number
126756
Date Published
1990
Length
37 pages
Annotation
Based primarily on the chi square test, this report evaluates the continuing effectiveness of the Wisconsin Probation Classification System to determine the levels of supervision needed by probationers in Los Angeles County, where the probation population has grown and become more diverse.
Abstract
The relationship between risk levels or scores and major indicators of probation outcomes was significant; low risk probationers consistently had higher rates of successful probation completion and lower rates of court hearing and felony arrests than the high and medium risk groups. However, they also had a higher rate of desertion, probably due to the minimal level of supervision. The same pattern was found among white, black, and Hispanic probationers. The statistical analysis revealed that the Wisconsin system was not consistent in its predictions across ethnic groups, particularly with regard to the high risk group. Although the Wisconsin scales were similar for high risk probationers from each ethnic group, in actuality, the white probationers had a higher level of successful completion than their black and Hispanic counterparts. The black probationers best fit the pattern set by the scale. The authors maintain that the Wisconsin system cannot measure the variation caused by various cultural factors including neighborhood attributes, housing crowdedness, gang prevalence, and ethnic subcultures. 7 figures and 2 appendixes