NCJ Number
133506
Journal
Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (1991) Pages: 213-236
Date Published
1991
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The performance of male offenders who received three different correctional experiences were compared: (1) shock incarceration parolees; (2) probationers; and (3) parolees after a period of incarceration.
Abstract
Data were collected for each sample from department records and performance evaluations. Recidivism was measured in two ways: (1) failure on community supervision or (2) arrests. The results indicate no differences in the recidivism of offenders who served time in a traditional prison, who served time in a shorter shock prison program in lieu of traditional prison, or who were given a sentence of probation with no prison time. Results suggest that individual attributes such as age, criminal history, and other risk factors are particularly important in determining the failure of offenders during community supervision. The shock program may have an impact, but it is not strong enough to carry the offenders through the difficulties of the return to the community. 7 tables, 2 figures, appendix, and 19 references (Author abstract modified)