Another researcher note, "Inmates in USDB and the Naval Brigs at Charleston, S.C., and Miramar, for example, are offered a wide variety of services, such as education and rehabilitation programs, as well as intensive, crime-specific, cognitive-behavioral modification programs to address substance abuse, violence and sex offenses" (Johnston, 2003). In fact, the military experiences about a 14% recidivism rate, compared with approximately 31% in the public criminal justice system (Burke, 2004, p. 5). Of course, public parole systems have thousands more inmates to manage than the military parole system, but they do not have to track their parolees around the world, and most prison systems do not offer comprehensive rehabilitation programs like the military does.
In conclusion, it has been shown that measuring the effectiveness of parole systems depends on many factors. Age, incarceration time, and even education and family life can all contribute to whether a parolee will return to prison or make his or her way in society. In addition, measuring the effectiveness of these programs is difficult, because there are so many diverse programs in the country, and not all can be measured in the same way. One thing is certain - parole effectiveness needs to improve if a majority of prisoners are going to succeed in their parole and not return to prison. More dollars, more caseworkers, and more study into what keeps parolees on the street and out of prison needs to be done to improve the parole record in this country. In addition, it is quite clear that...
There are few real studies into parole effectiveness and the supporting programs that help add to parolee effectiveness, and so, it is extremely difficult to accurately measure parole effectiveness and what contributes to that effectiveness. More studies could help make parole programs even more effective, and help reduce crime across the country, and perhaps someday, all around the world.
References
Burke, P.B. (2004).Parole violations revisited: A handbook on strengthening parole practices for public safety and successful transition to the community. Silver Spring, MD: Center for Effective Public Policy.
Burrell, W.D. (2004). Trends in probation and parole in the States. Retrieved 16 Oct. 2008 from the American Probation and Parole Association Web site: and http://www.appa-net.org/ccheadlines/docs/Trends_Probation_Parole.pdf.
Cassel, R.N. (2003). First, second and third force psychology serve as the only scientific means for determining parole readiness and prison reform. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 30(2), 144+.
Johnston, J.D. (2003, December). Military parole: The final steps toward responsible citizenship. Corrections Today, 65, 88+.
National Research Council. (2008). Parole, desistance from crime, and community integration. Committee on Community Supervision and Desistance from Crime. Committee on Law and Justice, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.…
