NCJ Number
108488
Date Published
1987
Length
0 pages
Annotation
The presenters provide an overview of intensive supervision (IS) programs and profile such programs in Massachusetts and Texas.
Abstract
Joan Petersilia of the Rand Corporation provides an overview of intensive probation programs, which constitute an intermediate sanction between imprisonment and traditional probation. The primary aim of such programs is cost-effectiveness. Proponents also view it as an enhancement of rehabilitative goals. Programs differ in their criteria for selecting participants and in their program components. Some criticisms of IS include that it is too lenient, it discriminates against minorities, and it does not involve offenders who would otherwise be sentenced to prison. Don Cochran, Massachusetts Commissioner of Probation, describes that State's IS program. The program aims at striking a balance between casework services and control. Massachusetts uses a modified version of the screening instrument used in the Wisconsin system to select IS clients. Studies have shown that the only difference between a sample of prison inmates and a sample of IS participants is their age; IS participants are younger, averaging between 17 and 25 years old. IS clients are typically male career criminals who are unemployed and substance abusers. A 50-percent recidivism rate is unrelated to the number of probationer and officer contacts. Malcolm McDonald, the administrator of the Texas Adult Probation Commission, describes the Texas IS program. It also aims at a balanced approach of surveillance and services. Participants must be felony offenders with clear indicators of need, such as chronic unemployment, mental illness, or drug abuse. Audience questions are included.