DIALOGUE
ALLOWING FEEDBACK PROMOTES FAIRNESS
6. Joint Supervision
Where the risk principle tells us who to treat, the need principle tells us what to treat. Criminogenic needs are those factors in a person’ s life directly related to recidivism. However, there is often a service gap for supervision agencies around two of the most prevalent criminogenic needs: antisocial associates and a lack of prosocial support.
Furthermore, an internal analysis revealed that people labeled with gang affiliation experience worse supervision outcomes than those without a gang label. For instance, only 9 % of the DCS population is a known gang associate, but they comprise 18 % of all revocations.
Therefore, DCS is seeking support to implement and evaluate a pilot project that establishes a joint mentor / officer caseload, focusing on providing strengths-based programming to gang-involved young adults. The objectives of this project are to reduce recidivism, increase prosocial support, and foster trusting relationships between officers and the individuals they supervise. The joint supervision model combines the skills of formerly incarcerated peer mentors with those of specially trained DCS officers.
Research Partners: Bill Sabol, Georgia State University( GSU); Julius Campbell, Offender Alumni Association; Global Dialogues
7. Virtual Check-in Evaluation
This project examines the perceptions surrounding the use of virtual check-ins, the cost implications of conducting them, and their impact on maintaining fidelity to the principles of PCS. Additionally, there is a correlation between virtual check-ins and changes in rates of violent or felony arrests. It is crucial to understand the challenges and benefits of various communication methods between officers and clients.
This study examines the impact of virtual check-ins on community supervision outcomes in comparison to traditional inperson check-ins. Utilizing administrative data for individuals on probation and parole from 2017 to 2024, we examine supervision outcomes, including misdemeanor and felony rearrest rates, as well as employment status and transitions to contact or“ call-in” supervision, at both the individual and judicial circuit levels.
This analysis also examines the prevalence of supervision conditions and technical violations to assess how these factors cooccur with virtual or in-person check-ins. Our mixed-methods approach also integrates longitudinal analyses with qualitative insights from focus groups and interviews. Combined, these insights will offer valuable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners on implementing and optimizing virtual supervision methods, potentially informing future strategies in community corrections nationwide.
Research Partner: Chris Inkpen, Research Triangle Institute( RTI), Jamie Newsome, Research Triangle Institute.
DCS FY25 Research Agenda Page 7