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Boot Camps for Young Offenders

NCJ Number
155437
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This analysis of research on shock incarceration programs and similar programs in the United Kingdom and the United States concludes that these programs focusing on a "short sharp shock" have not reduced recidivism.
Abstract
These detention center regimes of the early 1980's were the most clearcut failure in recent British penal policy. Government research revealed that they did nothing to reduce offending on release and that they had no discernible deterrent effect on rates of youth crime generally. The United States experience to date indicates similar results. The United States experience indicates that the militaristic aspects of the boot camp programs make no contribution to preventing further offending; however, constructive elements such as education, training, counseling, and drug treatment can help to do so. Making inmates move from one physical task to another on the double, undergo constant verbal abuse, and take part in repeated drills and inspections may persuade the gullible that something is being done about crime, but it will do nothing to prevent juvenile delinquency and youthful offending. The best approach to reducing recidivism is the provision of high-quality programs of education, training, drug treatment, and focused work to change attitudes and behavior.