NCJ Number
136942
Date Published
1989
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Data from the 86 graduates of New York's shock incarceration program in March and April 1988 and from a comparison group of 151 similar offenders released to the community in the same 2 months revealed no significant difference in the rates of return to custody during the year on parole.
Abstract
The offenders were followed through April 30, 1989, for a total of 12-13 months. The comparison group consisted of inmates who were legally eligible for the programs. The offenders were all males. A total of 19.8 percent of the shock graduates and 18.5 percent of the comparison group were returned to custody. The shock incarceration graduates served an average of less than 8 months in prison compared to nearly 15 months in the comparison group. Results appear to be consistent with the conclusions presented in a 1989 report to the State legislature. This report states that the shock incarceration program has achieved its legislative mandate of treating and releasing specially selected State prisoners earlier than their court-determined minimum period of incarceration, without compromising community protection. Additional follow-up research is planned. Tables and figures