Decide Your Time: Evaluation of a Drug Testing and Graduated Sanctions Program for Probationers in Delaware

• In Event: Does Swift, Certain, and Fair Work? Findings from Two RCTs

Abstract

A resurgence of deterrence theory has established practical applications and programs enlisting swift, certain, and graduated sanctions to curb probation violations. These efforts have been, in part, fueled by initial findings from Hawaii’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) program. Following these theoretical and empirical foundations, Delaware’s Decide Your Time (DYT) program sought to manage substance-using probationers by focusing on the certainty of detection and swift sanctions that graduated in severity. Using a randomized experimental design, this study evaluates whether DYT could decrease recidivism rates among drug-using offenders on probation by utilizing the principles of deterrence, graduated sanctions, and coerced abstinence. Using multi-level modeling and ethnographic strategies, results indicated no significant difference between clients randomized to DYT or standard probation across multiple recidivism measures. Given the findings from this study and its noteworthy contextual factors, policy makers and practitioners seeking to implement similar programs should consider the logistics, offender attributes, system structures, and local community contexts when implementing a program.

Authors

• Daniell J. O'Connell, University of Delaware

• John Brent, Georgia Southern University

• Christy A. Visher, University of Delaware