NCJ Number
210891
Date Published
June 2005
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined the success and failure rates of supervised sentencing options in New South Wales.
Abstract
Although at any one time, the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services supervises roughly twice the number of offenders in the general community than there are inmates in prison, little is known about offenders who breach the terms of their supervision orders. The current study focused on success and failure rates of offenders serving supervised community-based sentencing options containing either an expressed or inherent requirement in the type of order imposed. Data was drawn from the Department of Corrective Services and included information on type of community-based order, length of order, offender demographics, severity of offense, and location of supervision. Results of logistic regression analysis indicated that community-based orders were relatively effective, with an 84 percent successful completion rate and a 16 percent revocation rate. There emerged a significant association between intensity of supervision and failure/revocation rates. Other factors marginally impacting successful completion of community-based orders, including type of order and age of offender, with older offenders more likely to successfully complete their orders. Bonds were the type of community-based order most likely to have successful completion rates; the revocation rate for offenders with bonds was only 11.1 percent. Offenders with drug court orders or community service orders were the most likely to experience failure. Footnotes, figures, tables