NCJ Number
101950
Date Published
Unknown
Length
61 pages
Annotation
This study examines changes in Oklahoma's corrections policy regarding nonviolent intermediate offenders (NIO's) after the implementation of a new sentencing law in January 1984 aimed at increasing the number and use of treatment options for NIO's.
Abstract
Researchers obtained data on 256 male NIO's sentenced after January 1, 1984. The control group consisted of 308 young male nonviolent felons adjudicated between 1983 and 1984. Data collected from official records pertained to the nature and length of treatment as well as recidivism following sentence completion. Data on the treatment of experimentals and controls were subjected to chi-square, t-test, and analysis of variance techniques, supplemented by descriptive information such as percentages and averages. Loglinear models were used to compare the effect of various treatment/punishment options on the recidivism of experimentals and controls. More NIO's than controls were under direct supervision, but NIO's had shorter sentences. The model for handling NIO's was a hybrid rehabilitation/punishment model. Any treatment differences between NIO's and controls did not affect recidivism rates; there were no differences between the groups in percentages recidivating or in median time between offenses relative to time at risk. Policy implications are discussed. Tabular and graphic data.