A Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Prison-Based Dog-Training Program in Florida

• In Event: Correctional Based Dog and Mentoring Programs

Abstract

Dog-training programs have become a popular form of alternative prison programming in American correctional facilities. One of the reported benefits of implementing a dog-training program is their relatively low cost to the criminal justice system. To date, no cost-benefit analyses have been reported. This paper presents several cost-benefit analyses using program cost and externalizing outcome data collected from a dog-training program in Florida as well as on meta-analysis data from Cooke and Farrington (2015). The findings from these analyses suggest that dog-training programs could be a cost-effective form of intervention.

Authors

• Barbara J. Cooke, Texas A&M University - Kingsville

• David P. Farrington, Cambridge University