NCJ Number
101581
Date Published
1985
Length
38 pages
Annotation
A followup study focused on the outcomes for offenders in the Wisconsin program to reduce prison overcrowding by releasing selected offenders from 90 to 135 days before their scheduled date of discharge.
Abstract
The program began in 1981. During its first 2 years, it released certain nonviolent offenders up to 90 days early and gave them intensive supervision from parole agents during the release period. The selection criteria were modified and the release period extended to 135 days in the third year. The total number of releases was 292 in the first year, 314 in the second year, and 286 in the third year. Extending the release period did not have a significant effect on postrelease behavior. In fact, the offenders having the longer periods of intensive parole supervision had lower rates of criminal activity than did the offenders released for the shorter periods. All offenders had very low rates of violent and assaultive offenses. A recent decline in the number of these releases has reduced the savings in prison beds. Offenders incarcerated for a juvenile offense and those age 24 or younger had the highest risks of further criminal activity. About 30 percent of them returned to prison. However, careful selection of offenders and intensive supervision continue to be safe and effective methods for responding to prison overcrowding. Figures, footnotes, and appendixes presenting data tables and screening and classification guidelines.