Crime File: Drugs - Treating Offenders

• NCJ Number: 123673
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 0 pages
• Publication Series: NIJ Crime Files
• Grant Number(s): 90-IJ-CX-0004
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program Description (Demonstrative)

Annotation

This video portrays the shock-incarceration, boot camp regime for drug offenders at the Butler facility in New York State, followed by a panel's assessment of the effectiveness of such programs.

Abstract

The Butler program uses a military-type, boot-camp regime to instill discipline, pride, and self-esteem in residents. Every phase of the program is highly structured and includes alcohol and substance abuse treatment, academic education, social-skills training, and physical labor. The program lasts 6 months and is voluntary as an alternative to a prison term of 1 1/2 to 3 years. The program saves $15,000 per inmate compared to prison. The three-member panel (Doris MacKenzie, a visiting scientist at the National Institute of Justice; Barry Nidorf of the Los Angeles County Probation Department; and Doug Anglin of the UCLA Drug Abuse Research Group) agree that such programs can be effective with nonviolent, first-time felons providing supervision and support services following completion of the boot camp experience. Nidorf describes aspects of intensive supervision, Anglin reviews types of drug treatment programs, and MacKenzie reports on the continuing scientific assessment of the effectiveness of shock incarceration.