A Follow-up Evaluation of Hawaii's HOPE Probation

This grant builds upon previous evaluations of Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) program funded in part by NIJ in FY2007. The HOPE model applies deterrence through certain apprehension and swift response to probationers identified by officers as repeat violators. Following a judicial notification hearing, probationers do not reappear in court until they test positive on randomly administered drug screens, or otherwise violate conditions of community supervision. They are ordered to short-term incarceration, and ultimately referred to inpatient treatment if noncompliance continues. An early cohort (e.g., 2004-2006) of HOPE participants will be compared to nonparticipant Integrated Community Sanctions probationers. Information resources include Criminal Justice Information System and PROBER probation MIS data. Personal interviews (on alcohol and drug use, service access, criminal behavior, employment) and hair assay drug tests will be conducted on subsamples of both groups. Data on probation term completion, absconding, rearrest, revocation, and incarceration outcomes will be collected up to five years later to capture information post-participation/supervision. Work products include reports and data documenting the long-term effects of the HOPE intervention in comparison to standard community supervision with information on health and public safety outcomes. ca/ncf