NCJ Number
163585
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 21 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1996) Pages: 10-28
Date Published
1996
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Federal and State shock incarceration (SI) programs, also known as correctional boot camps, are continuing a decade of rapid expansion; according to a recent survey, 29 States currently operate at least 42 boot camps for selected low-risk offenders, up from 25 States in 1993.
Abstract
The Federal Government operates two SI facilities, and the Canadian province of Manitoba began operating an SI program in 1994. Ontario and the Correctional Service of Canada are both planning to implement SI programs in the near future. Besides SI programs already in operation, planned SI programs in Delaware, Rhode Island, and South Dakota are expected to be operational before the end of 1997. Most jurisdictions operate only one boot camp, although California, Illinois, and Mississippi have three camps and New York operates four camps. The diversity of SI program philosophies and correctional missions has changed as the number of jurisdictions employing SI grows. Most SI programs share more similarities than differences, however, in that they are generally based on strict discipline, highly regimented activities, and close supervision. SI programs vary in length, from 75 days in Texas to 190 days in Nevada. Many SI programs incorporate substance abuse treatment, but aftercare is not provided by all SI programs. Annual budgets for SI programs range from $262,000 in Missouri to $10,837,900 in Illinois. Per diem rates for inmates range from $18.50 in Delaware to $179.79 in Pennsylvania. SI programs have an average of 90 employees, the number of participating inmates varies from 30 in Wyoming to 1,450 in New York, and SI programs have strict eligibility requirements. Graduation rates for SI program participants range from an average of 31 percent in Wisconsin to 95 percent in Oklahoma. SI programs are compared by State in terms of correctional mission, treatment, and outcome. Data are also provided on SI program administration, and SI program profiles are included. 7 notes, 5 tables, and 1 figure