Abstract

This thesis investigates the Wayne County Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) program in terms of effectiveness, determined by looking at recidivism rates of a group of 74 individuals within the first, second, and third year after ISP termination. Whether or not they completed the program was compared to whether or not they had committed a felony within the first 12, 24, and 36 months after finishing ISP. Data was additionally collected from admission and termination statistics between the years 2007 and 2010 and exit surveys that are distributed to those terminated in 2009-2010. Additionally, two focus groups were held, of current and past ISP participants, to determine not only how ISP is effective, but why. Questions were asked in relation to four particular criminological theories; differential association, control, anomie/strain, and labeling, to gain information regarding why ISP was effective. Throughout the compared data, success on ISP did have a statistically significant relationship with employment status, amount of money earned on ISP, and whether or not the participant completed vocational training. Other indicators of possible success included strong family and peer relations, gaining skills and employment through ISP, as well as being able to avoid prison all together. While the connection between completion of the program and recidivism was not statistically significant, there was a clear relationship.

Advisor

Clayton, Robert

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Disciplines

Criminology | Public Policy | Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance

Keywords

intensive supervision probation, diversion program, recidivism

Publication Date

2011

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2011 Anna Hopkins