How to Shorten the Follow-up Period in Parole Studies

Abstract

One of the major problems of correctional research in such areas as parole violation has been the need for a follow-up period of two or more years after all parolees have been released. The following article proposes, through the secondary analysis of a rigidly scientific study, that for policy purposes this lengthy follow-up period can be shortened to no more than one year, and possibly no more than six months after the beginning of a study. The results suggest the possibility of cheaper and more flexible studies.