NCJ Number
102938
Date Published
1986
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The revocation and recidivism rates of felony probationers in Missouri between January 1980 and April 1983 were compared with data from California's Rand study for the same period.
Abstract
The Missouri study used both statewide data and data for two large metropolitan areas. It also used the same offense categories as the Rand study: violent offense categories as the Rand study: violent offenses, property offenses, drug offenses, and other offenses. The percentage of rearrests was 22.3 percent, versus 65 percent for California. The reconviction rate was 12 percent in Missouri and 51 percent in California, and the rate of new crimes was 7.1 percent in Missouri versus 18 percent in California. Missouri was much less likely than California to place violent criminals on probation, but was somewhat more likely to use probation for drug offenders. Property crimes were the most common offenses for felony probationers in both States. Violent offenders and property offenders were also the most likely to recidivate. Missouri is increasingly relying on felony probation. Probation caseloads will probably continue to grow as prisons become more overcrowded. If the probation increases continue, Missouri could see the same trend toward increased recidivism and public risk that California now faces. The State needs to expand its efforts to establish more restrictive probation. Figures, tables, and 3 references.