The Boot Camp Program for Offenders: Does the Shoe Fit?

Abstract

In the war on crime creation of boot camps for offenders had been widely heralded as the latest weapon to attack the problem of substance abuse. This new correctional program makes a frontal attack on the behavior pattern of the offender to pave the way toward rehabilitation and achievement of constructive social values. In the armed services the boot camp program had been reported to have shown success in rehabilitating offenders in short order and returning them to military service. The use of different boot camp programs in state and county correctional systems has produced a wide variety in design, scope, strategy and reported results. Serious risks inherent in programs whch demean offenders are discussed. There are significant differences between rehabilitation of a selected group and return to active military duty versus obstacles facing released offenders in their return to community life.