NCJ Number
111580
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 50 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1986) Pages: 17-24
Date Published
1986
Length
8 pages
Annotation
In 1982, Georgia implemented an intensive probation supervision program to reduce prison overcrowding while still meeting public demands for punishment of offenders.
Abstract
The program requires face-to-face contact, mandatory community service and employment, a curfew, weekly arrest checks, and alcohol and drug screening. Conditions are enforced by a team composed of a probation and a surveillance officer assigned to a caseload of 25 clients. Of the 2,322 offenders sentenced to the program through 1985, the majority were white, male, and under age 30. Of these, 43 percent were property offenders, 41 percent were convicted on drug- or alcohol-related offenses, and 9 percent had committed violent personal offenses. A comparison of 18-month recidivism rates for prison releasees, offenders on standard probation, and ISP participants indicated that rearrests were highest for releasees and lowest for those on standard probation. Variables related to ISP outcomes included risk score, property offending, sex, need score, race, and drug possession charge. Overall, Georgia's ISP program appears to be effective and safe and results in considerable savings relative to incarceration and benefits for the community. 6 tables and 10 references.