NCJ Number
135526
Date Published
1991
Length
171 pages
Annotation
When the New York State Legislature decided to create a program of shock incarceration, it provided a mandate to the Department of Correctional Services to operationalize a plan.
Abstract
Specifically, the legislation required that a program of rigorous physical activity, intensive regimentation, discipline, and drug rehabilitation be created. It also required a 6-month program to prepare successful participants for early parole release consideration. New York State's Division of Parole created a new supervision program based on reduced caseloads for shock parole supervision. This approach allows for increased contact between parole officers and parolees and includes increased home visits, curfew checks, and random drug testing. An evaluation of shock incarceration, mandated by the legislature, indicates that 5,898 inmate volunteers were sent to one of five shock facilities after the screening of 13,008 legally eligible inmates between July 1987 and October 1990. Of the 5,898 volunteers, 2,783 graduated and were granted an early release to parole supervision. Shock incarceration is the only program in New York State where inmates can be granted a release to parole prior to their parole eligibility date. Savings were realized by releasing shock graduates an average of 9 months prior to completion of their court-determined minimum period of incarceration. For the first 2,783 releases, these savings amounted to an estimated $49.3 million in operating costs, plus $80.3 million in avoided capital construction costs. Despite their short period of incarceration, shock inmates made educational progress. Fewer misbehavior reports were written at shock facilities compared to camps and medium security facilities. It is concluded that the shock incarceration program has met legislative requirements without compromising community protection rights of citizens. References, tables, and charts