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Is Less Better? Boot Camp, Regular Probation and Rearrest in North Carolina

NCJ Number
174669
Journal
American Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 1997 Pages: 147-161
Author(s)
M Jones; D L Ross
Date Published
1997
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Using official data, 331 boot camp participants and a stratified random sample of 369 regular probationers in North Carolina were tracked for rearrest over a 3-year period.
Abstract
The boot camp program in North Carolina was established in 1989. It is called the Intensive Motivational Program of Alternative Correctional Treatment (IMPACT). The participants usually stay in the boot camp for 90 days or up to 120 days if disciplinary problems occur. During the time frame for this study, there was no mandatory aftercare component for participants other than regular, supervised probation. IMPACT is designed to instill self-confidence, discipline, and a work ethic in a regimented paramilitary atmosphere. The program is designed for males aged 16-25 convicted of misdemeanors and minor felonies. Those without a high school diploma are tutored, and at least 2 hours are devoted to educational program four nights each week. Vocational, financial, and life-skills counseling are also offered. Further, participants receive 16 hours of substance abuse education. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis show that participation in boot camp was significantly associated with rearrest for drug offenses, offenses categorized as "other," and all types of offenses combined. Contrary to most prior research, which suggests that boot camp participation has no effect on subsequent criminal behavior, the results in this study indicate that participation in the boot camp program had a detrimental effect on its participants. 3 tables and 24 references