Presuming there is little difference in effects on recidivism, discuss the pros and cons of the two types of punishment/rehabilitation mechanisms.
Using key terms from the textbook chapter, answer the following question(s): Probation: The conditional release of a convicted offender into the community, under the supervision of a probation officer. It is conditional because it can be revoked if certain conditions are not met. Recidivism: The repetition of criminal behavior; generally defined as rearrest. It is the primary outcome measure for probation as it is for all corrections programs. Investigation: The first major role of probation officers, consisting of interviewing the defendant and preparing the presentence report (PSR). Supervision: The second major role of probation officers, consisting of resource mediation, surveillance, and enforcement. Revocation Hearing: A due process hearing that must be conducted to determine whether the conditions of probation have been violated before probation can be revoked and the offender removed from the community. Revocation: The formal termination of an offender’s conditional freedom. Technical Violation: A failure to comply with the conditions of probation. Absconding: Fleeing without permission of the jurisdiction in which the offender is required to stay. New Offense Violation: The arrest and prosecution for the commission of a new crime. Alternative sanctions (community corrections), such as probation and parole, are known to have high failure and revocation rates that land large numbers of people back in jail and prison. About half of the people who exit parole or probation do so successfully after completing their supervision terms. Many supervision “failures” result in revocation, which in turn can lead to re-incarceration. Alternative sanctions and prisons are very similar in terms of their effects on recidivism. Some studies indicate differences in effects that support community corrections while others refute them.
