ipl-logo

Recidivism In Community Corrections

1368 Words6 Pages

As we have discussed I have done some research on ways to prevent recidivism among our medium to high risk offenders and whether it would be beneficial for Community Corrections departments to implement evidence-based programs in the case management of these offenders. To obtain data for this report I referred to government and professional publications; I also conducted various interviews with individuals who are knowledgeable of these practices.

This report addresses whether certain programs used in community corrections are an effective practice for the medium to high risk criminal population. I am going to provide three different programs and their costs that could be implemented in community based corrections.

Significance of Problem: …show more content…

Nationwide, 58 percent of the criminal justice population is supervised under community corrections. (The National Institute of Justice, 2016). As the criminal population increases and the cost of incarcerating inmates continues to rise each year, community based corrections offenders should engage in MRT because it helps enhance social, moral and positive behavioral growth. Research concludes that MRT-treated offenders in community corrections have lower recidivism for periods as long as 20 years after treatment. Those studies show MRT-treated offenders have re-arrests and re-incarceration rates 25 percent to 75 percent lower than those in traditional community corrections programs (Antonowicz & Parker, 2012, p 183). Offenders participating in MRT are able to identify responsibility for their behavior. They become more pro-social and gain life skills such as anger management, job placement, sobriety maintenance and parenting skills. Implementing MRT into community corrections significantly lowers prison populations. (Car & Thies, 2005, p 37).

According to Allen Bergstrom, Parole and Probation officer with Klamath County Community Corrections, their agency uses MRT for all felony offenders presenting with medium to high risk criminogenic factors (traits relating to the likelihood of committing a new crime) and substance abuse issues. Bergstrom found with his caseload that MRT effectively reduced recidivism for his offenders. He estimated that 15-20% of the offenders on his caseload that successfully engaged and completed the MRT programs were less likely to commit new crimes and engage in criminal activity (personal communication, May 3,

Open Document