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Predicting Success or Failure on Probation: Factors Associated With Felony Probation Outcomes

NCJ Number
167230
Journal
Crime & Delinquency Volume: 43 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 314-327
Author(s)
B Sims; M Jones
Date Published
1997
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined factors associated with success or failure on probation for 2,850 North Carolina felony probationers who were removed from supervision between July 1 and October 31, 1993.
Abstract
Probationers were profiled on various demographic, sentence, and probation characteristics. Chi-square analysis was used to determine differences within sample subgroups, and logistic regression was used to predict failure on probation in two separate models. The 2,850 probationers had been revoked from probation for the commission of new crimes and for technical violations. Findings suggested that risk assessment items used by probation officers to determine level of supervision for probationers performed well in the logistic regression equation. Of the 2,850 probationers, 26 percent were revoked because of technical violations such as testing positive for drugs. Only 13 percent of probationers were revoked for the commission of new crimes. More than half of the felony probationers failed on probation, while 43 percent succeeded. 22 references and 4 tables