Research and Evaluation in Justice Systems -- Multi-Jurisdiction Research on Automated Reporting Systems: Kiosk Supervision.

The proposed research will examine the outcomes of kiosk supervision with higher-risk offenders and identify the implementation factors associated with successful kiosk supervision. The research design will involve (1) an implementation and cost study, including a telephone survey of all kiosk-using jurisdictions in the U.S., followed by site visits in five jurisdictions; (2) a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the outcomes of kiosk-and officer-supervised offenders under community supervision in multiple jurisdictions; and (3) cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses that draw on data from the implementation and outcome studies.

A guidebook of implementation and cost considerations will be developed to aid jurisdictions in making informed decisions about kiosk adoption. A telephone survey will be conducted to collect implementation and cost data from all jurisdictions that use kiosks, those that no longer use kiosks, and those that have chosen alternative electronic means of reporting. Site visits will be conducted to further understand how kiosk costs, staffing, operations, data, performance, and satisfaction vary across multiple jurisdictions.

An outcome study will examine the unintended and intended consequences, outcomes, and costs associated with kiosk supervision systems. A randomized controlled trial design will be implemented across multiple jurisdictions in which offenders of varying risk levels are assigned to kiosk or officer supervision through the use of an automated randomizer. The outcomes of interest to be examined are recidivism, failure to report, other technical violations, employment status, and housing stability.

Data collected from the implementation and outcome study will be used to conduct the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis. Findings will be included in the cost considerations section of the guidebook, the final technical report, and any suggested bulletins or briefs. The guidebook will be posted for download on various websites. It will be distributed electronically and in hard copy to all community supervision agencies, state professional probation and parole associations, and national associations including but not limited to the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA).
Results may have important implications for criminal justice policy and practice. Evaluation findings will provide important information on public safety implications of kiosk supervision. The implementation study will provide guidance related to adopting or expanding kiosks. The cost assessment will equip agencies with evidence-based recommendations on the best use of limited resources, understanding that kiosk reporting has the potential to redefine the role of the community corrections officer.
ca/ncf