STARR Training and Offender Outcomes in the Federal Probation Service: A 12 Month Follow-up

• In Event: Improving Offender Outcomes in Correctional Populations 3

Abstract

The federal probation service is currently implementing a training program, Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Re-arrest (STARR), in multiple districts throughout the country. The training program teaches officers principles of effective correctional interventions and develops evidence-based skills to be used in interactions with offenders. An instrument was developed to assess officer competency with STARR skills and officers were surveyed regarding attitudes towards offenders and organizational change. Audio recordings of officer-offender interactions from a federal district were coded to rate officer STARR skill competency. The current study uses twelve month follow-up data on offender violation and recidivism outcomes to assess program effectiveness.

Authors

• Tara Richards, University of Baltimore

• Jefferson E. Holcomb, Appalachian State University

• Tammatha Clodfelter, Appalachian State University

• Catherine D. Marcum, Appalachian State University

• Melissa Alexander, U.S. District Court, Middle District of North Carolina