Randomized Evaluation of the Maryland Correctional Boot Camp for Adults: Effects on Offender Antisocial Attitudes and Cognitions

• NCJ Number: 210499
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 40 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 71-86
• Author(s): Ojmarrh Mitchell; Doris L. Mackenzie; Deanna M. Perez
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This randomized evaluation of a Maryland treatment-oriented correctional boot camp for adult offenders examined whether it produced greater reductions in antisocial attitudes and cognitions than a standard correctional facility that was also treatment-oriented.

Abstract

Maryland's Herman L. Toulson Correctional Boot Camp (TBC) was established in 1990 as an effort to reduce prison overcrowding and encourage inmates to become responsible citizens. The TBC is a three-phase, 6-month program that integrates a treatment component (academic education, life-skills training, and substance abuse education/treatment) under a model that resembles the discipline, obedience, and physical demands of basic military training. Outcomes for boot-camp participants were compared with those of inmates incarcerated at the Metropolitan Transition Center (MTC), a standard correctional facility that also offers male inmates academic education, life-skills training, and substance abuse education/treatment similar to that offered in the TBC, but without the military regime. Male inmates determined to be eligible for the boot camp program were randomly assigned to either the TBC or the MTC by the research team. Since the evaluation of the TBC is ongoing, the current analysis is a preliminary assessment of the TBCs effect on antisocial attitudes and cognitions. Data collection began in January 2002, and has involved the preprogram and postprogram administration of the Self-Appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ). The focus of the current report is on the SAQ subscales of Criminal Tendencies, which assesses antisocial attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and feelings. Analyses of postprogram data for 113 inmates (49 from TBC and 64 from MTC) found no significant or substantive differences between the 2 groups, suggesting that the combination of a military atmosphere and therapeutic programming may not be any more effective in reducing antisocial attitudes than similar treatment programming in traditional correctional facilities. 3 tables and 14 references