An Examination of an Intensive Probation Program for Alcohol Offenders

Abstract

Judicial treatment programs that surpass traditional forms of probated sentencing in punishment severity have received little attention in the correctional literature. Innovative diversion programs have relieved bloated numbers of inmates in state prisons, decreased the potential pool of community welfare recipients, and have reintegrated offenders into their respective neighborhoods. This article reports the results of a three-year longitudinal study of seventy-one (N= 71) criminal offenders assigned to Dougherty County, Georgia's Criminal Alcoholic Program (C.A.P.). The criminal histories of these offenders are compared two years before and after completing this judicial diversion program. Statistically, significant reductions in criminal behavior were observed between pre and post testing periods. The most significant reductions in criminal behavior were for traffic and alcohol-related offenses. Youthful felons experienced the greatest improvement in criminal behavior two years after entry into the C.A.P. and were more successful in adapting to the community than olderfelons.