Decarceration in America: The role of a reinvented probation system

• In Event: Under-Examined Dimensions of Reentry, Release, and Revocation

Abstract

Nationwide, there is a growing willingness, on both sides of the political aisle, to reconsider policies that have led to mass incarceration in America. One consequential area of the correctional system that has been understudied, if not ignored, is probation, even though probation revocations are a significant contributor to prison populations. A multi-year study being undertaken by the Robina Institute of the University of Minnesota Law School aims to answer the following questions: To whom is probation given? Are there lesser sanctions that might make sense for at least some of this population? What are the typical mandated requirements of probationers and are they proportional, lenient, or excessive? What behaviors lead officers to schedule probation violation hearings and are those decisions typically discretionary or structured decisions? How often do violations lead to revocation and what alternatives are utilized? The project will develop collaborations between researchers at the Robina Institute and policymakers at the state and local levels in jurisdictions that recognize the need for experimentation and improvement in supervision and revocation practices. This presentation will present preliminary findings from this multi-state project.

Authors

• Ronald P. Corbett, University of Minnesota

• Kevin Reitz, University of Minnesota