Findings from a Pilot Test of the Environmental Corrections Model of Probation and Parole

• In Event: Adminstration of Corrections and Correctional Programming

Abstract

As a new model of probation and parole, Environmental Corrections applies the principles of environmental criminology to offender supervision. Under this framework, probation and parole officers are transformed into problem-solvers that develop opportunity-reduction case plans that address the two ingredients of crime events: opportunity and propensity. In the first instance, rather than applying generic supervision stipulations, offenders’ daily routines are restructured so that exposure to crime opportunities is minimized. In the second, rather than utilizing officer-offender meetings as case management time, probation and parole staff provide techniques of effective correctional intervention so that criminogenic needs are reduced.

A pilot test of Environmental Corrections was implemented in a probation and parole office in a large metropolitan area in Australia. This presentation discusses findings from semi-structured interviews before and after the implementation of this framework. Case management staff and offenders supervised at this office were interviewed as a matched pre-post sample about their experiences with the old and new model of probation and parole; an additional sample of offenders who commenced supervision following the implementation of the intervention were also interviewed. Preliminary results in the changes of rates of technical breaches and recidivism are also described.

Author

• Lacey Schaefer, Griffith University