Offenders a Decade Later: Locating, Interviewing, and Capturing Data

• In Event: Overcoming Measurement Challenges

Abstract

The data collection portion of the National Re-Entry Follow-up study was recently conducted by RTI International through funding by the National Institute of Justice. The sample was comprised of a cohort of approximately 500 men and women who were originally interviewed between 2004 and 2005 as participants in the Multisite Evaluation of the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI). The study is examining factors associated with desistance from crime, including an in-depth examination of the role of cognitive transformation in the desistance process.

The methodology for collecting these data included multiple tailored approaches. Specific challenges faced and overcome through the study’s protocol included determining the incarceration status of cohort members; determining updated location information for them; gaining access to state department of corrections facilities; gaining cooperation for the extensive interview; and administering as a part of the interview a dynamic, electronic Life Event Calendar (LEC), which helped to improve respondent recall by capturing key time markers tied to important life events across time.

This presentation will provide an overview of this advanced quantitative methodology, plus share preliminary outcomes of tracing, contacting, gaining access to, and interviewing the cohort. Additionally, examples of the LEC’s format and functionality will be shared.

Authors

• Christopher Ellis, RTI International

• Stephen King, RTI International

• Kelle Barrick, RTI International

• Lori Hill, RTI International

• Pamela K Lattimore, RTI International