In other circumstances, the offender should be directed towards more traditional means of punishment.
Conclusion
Split sentencing has been part of the criminal justice system since the beginning of incarceration programs, and shock probation programs, a form of split sentencing, have been in use for more than 50 years. There is significant debate about the efficacy of these programs, because some so-called shock probation programs are linked to high rates of recidivism and offender violence, while others are shown to dramatically reduce recidivism. The important thing to keep in mind is that not all programs labeled shock probation programs actually follow the guidelines established in the 1960s for these programs. Shock probation programs involve the exposure of a defendant to a prison-type environment followed by period of highly monitored probation. However, shock probation programs were never intended to be used on those defendants who were unlikely to be shocked by exposure to the prison environment, including defendants who had previously served time or had other felony charges pending. When applied correctly, shock probation can reduce recidivism and create positive benefit for defendants...
However, when applied incorrectly, shock probation programs endanger the public.
References
Branham, L. (2012). Follow the leader: The advisability and propriety of considering cost and recidivism data at sentencing. Federal Sentencing Reporter; Saint Louis U. Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2011-29. Retrieved April 27, 2012 from Social Science Research Network website: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1963506
Broemmel, M. (2012). Definition of shock probation. Retrieved April 27, 2012 from e.how website: http://www.ehow.com/about_6324611_definition-shock-probation.html
Pasquesi, a. (2012). How does shock probation work? Retrieved April 27, 2012 from e.how website: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5234079_shock-probation-work_.html
Riley, J. (2007, December 23). Many on shock probation in Jefferson rearrested. Retrieved April 27, 2012 from Courierjournal.com website: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20071223/NEWS01/712230489/Many-shock-probation-Jefferson-rearrested
U.S. Legal. (2012). Shock probation law & legal definition. Retrieved from:
http://definitions.uslegal.com/s/shock-probation/
