Recidivism In Corrections

Recidivism is currently the primary outcome measure for probation, as it is for all corrections programs. (Pertersilia, 1998) Probation is under the constant criticism of people questioning if it actually works. There were multiple studies (and some that are still continuing) that are testing the effects of probation. In 1985, a sample of 1,672 felony probationers sentenced in Los Angeles and Alameda Counties in 1980 were tracked for a three-year period by RAND researchers. Over that time period, the researchers found that 65 percent of the probationers were rearrested, 51 percent were reconvicted, and 34 percent were reincarcerated. (Petersilia, 1998) In other words, from the results of their study, they found that probation may not be a viable alternative to jail or prison. Many other agencies replicated the RAND study and
(Wogan, 2015) Basically, EPICS holds the idea that some convicted criminals can be reintegrated into society, as long as they meet with their assigned officer on a regular basis. This structured model is similar to behavioral therapy that many clinical psychologists practice. The reason why EPICS has become so appealing to many states and counties is because of the high populations in prisons and jail systems. (Wogan, 2015) EPICS takes on the approach of weighing the risks and benefits of certain situations that the offender may be put into in society, such as being offered drugs. The difference between EPICS and traditional models of supervision is more a matter of emphasis than total redesign. In most traditional models, officers would threaten more jail time, community service, or house arrest when the offender would not change his behavior. (Wogan, 2015) With EPICS, offices teach coping and critical thinking skills to play more of a direct role in behavior