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Shelby County (Tennessee) Pretrial Diversion Programs - An Evaluation

NCJ Number
75733
Journal
Pretrial Services Annual Journal Volume: 3 Dated: (1980) Pages: 98-115
Author(s)
R K Thomas
Date Published
1980
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The results of an evaluation of the Shelby County, Tennessee, pretrial diversion program are reported, including an analysis of costs and recidivism, and recommendations for future service are presented.
Abstract
The activities of two groups of defendants were examined. One group participated in the diversion program during its first year of operation. The second group was made up of a group of defendants who passed through the court system before the diversion program was initiated. The two groups were approximately identical in demographic characteristics and prior offense records. A total of 14.9 percent of the program participants were ultimately convicted on their current charges, while 99.4 percent of the nonparticipants were ultimately convicted. During a 3-year followup, 27.6 percent of the participants were rearrested, while 39.2 percent of the nonparticipants were rearrested more than once and this group was estimated to have committed 50.8 percent more subsequent offences than the participating group. Nonparticipants were also more likely to be rearrested on more serious charges and to be convicted of subsequent charges. The participants also served less time in jail or on probation resulting from subsequent convictions. Cost per client for nonparticipants was about 11 percent lower than for program participants, although reduced recidivism costs helped to reduce this difference. Funding for the program should be continued due to its cost effectiveness and impact on recidivism. The program's scope should be expanded to include higher risk clients. Tables and footnotes which include references are provided.