Boot Camp Prisons: Components, Evaluations, and Empirical Issues

• NCJ Number: 126413
• Author(s): D L Mackenzie
• Date Published: January 1990
• Length: 9 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored

Annotation

This article describes the components of current shock incarceration programs and their evaluation. It attempts to determine whether shock incarceration fulfills the goals of the program and which particular components contribute to its success or failure.

Abstract

A survey of all 50 State departments of corrections shows that these programs contain a common base of military atmosphere, discipline, juvenile offenders and an alternative to long-term incarceration. Further study of seven existing shock incarcerations programs revealed differences in selection decisions, community supervision upon release, program characteristics, and program location. Goals of programs varied at the system, individual, public relations, and prison control/management levels. Most consistency was found in three system level changes: reduction of prison crowding; provision of alternatives for long-term incarceration; and reduction of cost. However differences in the goals of each program and issues related to its development will affect the subsequent evaluation of the program. 5 tables, 2 notes, and 17 references