NCJ Number
206017
Date Published
2004
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This chapter assesses the role of the police in the interplay between the "hard" and "soft" elements of the Dordrecht (Netherlands) program that offers individuals convicted of burglary a rehabilitative alternative to prison.
Abstract
Designed to address the root causes of persistent offending, the Dordrecht program requires that the offender agree to participate in an intensive supervision and rehabilitation regime instead of serving a prison sentence. A police officer and a probation officer act as a team in managing the individual offender. The program targets factors typically linked to persistent criminality, namely, drug addiction, poor education, and limited social skills. Criteria for program eligibility include a prolific criminal career with at least six convictions, including at least one burglary, and a concentration of criminal activity in one police jurisdiction. Intensive home visits by the police and probation representatives are a key feature of the program, particularly in the early stages, and offenders also agree to attend regular meetings at the local probation office. Should offending occur while in the program, the offender is immediately brought before a judge and will inevitably receive a custodial sentence. Anecdotal evidence indicates that approximately two-thirds of Dordrecht clients succeed without return to court for program violations. Indications are the combination of the "hard" (strict accountability) approach and the "soft" (attention to offender needs related to offending behavior) approach are effective in preventing recidivism for habitual offenders. This chapter outlines the elements and factors in the program that are most effective, and its suitability for Great Britain's police jurisdictions is discussed. 4 notes