Probation throughout the United States: A Good Thought, but Horrible Results Since the introduction of probation in the United States, the system has proved to be ineffective time and time again. There are many issues that back up this idea ranging from overloaded caseloads, statistically proved recidivism rates, and lack of community based rehabilitation programs. In the world we live in today, there are many different types of offenders that get sentenced to probation. Offenders on probation come from all walks of life including social status, and neighborhoods that have a great influence on the psychological make-up of the offender. I will begin by discussing my thoughts on recidivism rates I found while I analyzed journal articles.
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Andrew Fulkerson (2012) conducted a research paper in 2012 which analyzed the recidivism rates among approximately 500 people on parole. The research concluded that 62.5% of people on probation recidivated within four years of being on or out of probation (Fulkerson 2012). This is statistically significant considering more than half of the people who were supervised went on to relapse into the criminal aspect of life. In order for any program to be successful, it is imperative that the majority of people are on board with the system. Revocation appeared to play a paramount role in whether or not the offender would recidivate. Offenders who fully completed the probation program without revoking had an average of 49.5% recidivism rate (Fulkerson, 2012). One of the key determinates of whether or not someone would recidivate is whether or not they completed the program. Fulkerson found that 78.9% of offenders whom did not complete the probation program would go on to recidivate (Fulkerson, 2012). The offenders failed to complete the programs because they had their probation revoked. Fulkerson concluded from his study that completion of the probation program is the best predictor of whether or not offenders will recidivate (Fulkerson,
Andrew Fulkerson (2012) conducted a research paper in 2012 which analyzed the recidivism rates among approximately 500 people on parole. The research concluded that 62.5% of people on probation recidivated within four years of being on or out of probation (Fulkerson 2012). This is statistically significant considering more than half of the people who were supervised went on to relapse into the criminal aspect of life. In order for any program to be successful, it is imperative that the majority of people are on board with the system. Revocation appeared to play a paramount role in whether or not the offender would recidivate. Offenders who fully completed the probation program without revoking had an average of 49.5% recidivism rate (Fulkerson, 2012). One of the key determinates of whether or not someone would recidivate is whether or not they completed the program. Fulkerson found that 78.9% of offenders whom did not complete the probation program would go on to recidivate (Fulkerson, 2012). The offenders failed to complete the programs because they had their probation revoked. Fulkerson concluded from his study that completion of the probation program is the best predictor of whether or not offenders will recidivate (Fulkerson,