What Is Shock Incarceration?
Shock incarceration is an alternative incarceration program that results in earlier release from custody through an intensive 6-month "boot camp." The shock incarceration program was introduced in 1987 through the New York Department of Correctional Services and has been subsequently adopted by most states.
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Theory
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Shock incarceration is usually only available to first-time offenders. The theory behind this correctional boot camp is the increased likelihood of successful reform based on a sentence that is both more brief and intensive.
Parole
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The intense scrutiny experienced during shock treatment extends to the subsequent parole period, with the Division of Parole employees assigned to follow up on the cases and make evaluations of the shock incarceration's success.
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New York Study
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The State of New York`s Office of the State Comptroller conducted a study to evaluate the Division of Parole`s effectiveness in following up with the convicts.
Results
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The comptroller's office reported that in most cases methods were efficient, but needed some improvements. They noted that most parole officers had assignments that exceeded recommended caseload numbers.
Substance Study
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Washington State University researched whether the shock incarceration program had an effect on substance abuse in drug offenders in the criminal justice system. They found that the program was successful at "changing attitudes towards the use of alcohol but has little impact on attitudes towards illicit drug use."
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