NCJ Number
238733
Date Published
October 2011
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This report from the Iowa Department of Human Rights, Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning, presents the results of an evaluation of the State's mandatory minimum sentences for drug traffickers.
Abstract
Primary findings on outcomes of Iowa's mandatory minimum sentences for drug traffickers indicate that those serving mandatory sentences had higher recidivism rates than offenders who were waived; offenders who were released within 6 months of reaching their parole eligibility date had lower recidivism rates than those who were paroled later than 6 months; among those who served mandatory sentences, B felons had lower recidivism rates than C felons; and risk scores around the time of prison entrance appeared to be a factor in explaining the differential prison returns rates between those with mandatory sentences and those who were waived. This report from the Iowa Department of Human Rights, Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning, evaluates the effectiveness of the State's mandatory minimum sentences for drug traffickers as a mechanism for controlling crime and creating equity in sentencing. Data for the evaluation were obtained from a sample of drug traffickers (n=625) who entered prison as new admissions or probation violators and were released from prison or work release in FY2007. Outcome data for drug traffickers serving mandatory sentences were compared to those for drug traffickers whose mandatory sentences were waived. Additional information provided in the report includes characteristics and demographics of those serving mandatory sentences, recidivism rates according to offense level and type of drug, level of service inventory revised (LSI-R) risk assessment scores, and costs associated with mandatory sentences. Results of the evaluation indicate that serving a longer prison term could reduce offenders' LSI-R risk scores; mandatory minimum sentences for drug traffickers do not appear to reduce recidivism, and eliminating mandatory sentences for low/low-moderate risk offenders would results in cost savings without changing return-to-prison rates. Additional factors for consideration are discussed. Tables, figures, references, and appendixes