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Recidivism Among Federal Probationers: Predicting Sentence Violations

NCJ Number
201330
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 67 Issue: 1 Dated: June 2003 Pages: 31-36
Author(s)
Kevin I. Minor; James B. Wells; Crissy Sims
Editor(s)
Ellen Wilson Fielding
Date Published
June 2003
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines the prevalence and incidence of sentence violations over a 2-year follow-up period among individuals serving Federal probation sentences in the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Abstract
In order to continue research and develop an understanding of recidivism, this study continues this line of research by analyzing sentence violations in a sample of Federal probationers. The primary focus of the study was on the prevalence of violations and the factors most predictive of them. In addition, data are provided on the number or incidence of violations as well as the prevalence of reasons for probation revocation. The study consisted of 200 individuals sentenced to Federal probation in the Eastern District of Kentucky between January 1996 and June 1999. Study results indicate that 30.5 percent of the sample had official records of violating their sentences within 2 years of being placed on probation. Over 56 percent of the probation violators in the study had only one violation and over 80 percent had no more than two violations. It was found that probationers ordered to undergo mental health treatment and those not ordered to perform community service were significantly more likely to have violations. The multivariate predictors studied associated with sentence violations included: race, age, prior felony or misdemeanor, substance abuse treatment ordered, mental health treatment ordered, and community service ordered. Tables, references