Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) is a form of community-based supervision that aims to provide closer monitoring and support to individuals on probation. This article explores the effectiveness of ISP programs in reducing recidivism and achieving their goals based on research and evaluations conducted in various jurisdictions.
Key Facts
- Treatment components: Research suggests that ISP programs that include treatment components may be more effective in reducing recidivism.
- Goals of ISP: The goals of ISP include alleviating prison overcrowding, keeping families intact, and reducing opportunities for recidivism.
- Offender types: ISP programs typically consider nonviolent offenders, drug offenders, and probation and parole violators for possible placement.
- Supervision philosophy: ISP involves smaller caseloads for probation officers, allowing for increased time spent with each client. Greater restrictions, such as curfews, are imposed compared to regular probation.
- Cost and recidivism: Evaluations of ISP programs in Georgia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts indicate that these programs may cost more than traditional forms of supervision and do not appear to reduce recidivism significantly. In fact, they may contribute to prison and jail overcrowding.
- Relationship building: The increased amount of time probation officers spend with clients in ISP programs can lead to the development of a closer relationship between the officer and the client.
Treatment Components in ISP Programs
Research suggests that ISP programs that include treatment components may be more effective in reducing recidivism. These treatment components can address underlying issues such as substance abuse, mental health, and anger management, which are often associated with criminal behavior. By providing targeted interventions, ISP programs can contribute to the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of probationers into society.
Goals of ISP
The goals of ISP include alleviating prison overcrowding, keeping families intact, and reducing opportunities for recidivism. By intensifying supervision and providing tailored interventions, ISP programs aim to provide effective alternatives to incarceration while ensuring public safety. These programs seek to address the specific needs and risks of individuals on probation, offering opportunities for rehabilitation and positive change.
Offender Types Considered for ISP
ISP programs typically consider nonviolent offenders, drug offenders, and probation and parole violators for possible placement. By targeting these specific groups, ISP programs can focus resources on individuals who are less likely to pose a significant risk to public safety. This approach allows for a more efficient allocation of supervision and treatment resources, prioritizing those who can benefit the most from intensive supervision.
Supervision Philosophy in ISP
ISP involves smaller caseloads for probation officers, allowing for increased time spent with each client. This closer supervision enables probation officers to develop a deeper understanding of the probationer’s circumstances and needs. Greater restrictions, such as curfews and community service requirements, are imposed compared to regular probation, emphasizing accountability and compliance with court orders.
Cost and Recidivism in ISP Programs
Evaluations of ISP programs in Georgia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts indicate that these programs may cost more than traditional forms of supervision and do not appear to significantly reduce recidivism. In fact, they may contribute to prison and jail overcrowding. While ISP programs offer intensive support, the lack of clarity in policy development, implementation, and evaluation can limit their effectiveness in achieving long-term reductions in reoffending rates.
Relationship Building in ISP
The increased amount of time probation officers spend with clients in ISP programs can lead to the development of a closer relationship between the officer and the client. This relationship-building aspect of ISP can enhance the probationer’s engagement and motivation to change, as well as provide a supportive and accountable environment. A strong probationer-officer relationship can contribute to better compliance with supervision conditions and increased chances of successful rehabilitation.
In conclusion, Intensive Supervision Probation programs have the potential to be effective in reducing recidivism and achieving their goals. However, the inclusion of treatment components, clear policy guidelines, and careful evaluation are crucial for maximizing their impact. While ISP programs provide closer supervision and support, further research is needed to refine their implementation and determine the most effective strategies for reducing reoffending rates.
Sources:
- Effects of Supervision Philosophy on Intensive Probationers by Kelly L. Brown (https://www.cjcj.org/media/import/documents/effects_of_0.pdf)
- Effectiveness of the New Intensive Supervision Programs, Research in Corrections, Volume 2 (2), September 1989 (https://ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/effectiveness-new-intensive-supervision-programs)
- Intensive Supervision – Can It Rehabilitate Probation? | Office of Justice Programs (https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/intensive-supervision-can-it-rehabilitate-probation)
FAQs
What is intensive supervision probation (ISP)?
Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) is a form of community-based supervision that involves closer monitoring and support for individuals on probation. It typically includes smaller caseloads for probation officers and may involve additional restrictions and treatment components.
What are the goals of intensive supervision probation?
The goals of ISP include alleviating prison overcrowding, maintaining family connections, and reducing opportunities for recidivism. It aims to provide effective alternatives to incarceration while ensuring public safety and addressing the specific needs and risks of individuals on probation.
Which types of offenders are considered for intensive supervision probation?
ISP programs typically consider nonviolent offenders, drug offenders, and probation and parole violators for possible placement. By targeting these specific groups, resources can be focused on individuals who are less likely to pose a significant risk to public safety.
How does intensive supervision probation differ from regular probation?
Compared to regular probation, ISP involves smaller caseloads for probation officers, allowing for increased time spent with each client. It may also impose greater restrictions, such as curfews and community service requirements, emphasizing accountability and compliance with court orders.
Is intensive supervision probation cost-effective?
Evaluations of ISP programs have shown that they may cost more than traditional forms of supervision. However, their cost-effectiveness in terms of reducing recidivism is debated. Some studies indicate that ISP programs may not significantly reduce recidivism rates and may even contribute to prison and jail overcrowding.
Does intensive supervision probation include treatment components?
Some ISP programs include treatment components that address underlying issues such as substance abuse, mental health, and anger management. Research suggests that ISP programs with treatment components may be more effective in reducing recidivism by targeting specific criminogenic needs.
How does intensive supervision probation impact the probationer-officer relationship?
Due to the smaller caseloads and increased time spent with each client, ISP programs can lead to the development of a closer relationship between the probation officer and the probationer. This relationship-building aspect can enhance the probationer’s engagement, motivation to change, and compliance with supervision conditions.
Are there long-term benefits to intensive supervision probation?
The long-term benefits of ISP programs in terms of sustained reductions in recidivism rates are still a subject of research and debate. Clear policy development, implementation, and evaluation of ISP programs are important for maximizing their potential long-term impact and effectiveness.