Individual and Case Characteristics of Probationers who Fail

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Sentencing an individual to community supervision in lieu of jail or prison is accompanied by numerous benefits – both for the individual as well as the community. Ideally, aside from the financial cost-savings, the offender has the opportunity to maintain employment and family relations, be involved in the community and positively contribute to society, while receiving a variety of social services if needed. We know from a growing body of research that in reality this ideal situation is often not achieved, and instead probationers end up in violation of their mandated supervision requirements and back in jail, not only nullifying the cost savings, but prolonging the individual’s overall engagement with the criminal justice system and augmenting collateral effects overall. The current study takes an in-depth look at a sample of 190 felony probationers who were arrested for a violation of their supervision. We analyze demographic as well as case characteristics to assess the barriers of successful probation completion.

Author

• Tanja C. Link, Kennesaw State University