Pubdate: Sat, 23 Mar 2002
Source: Shreveport Times (LA)
Copyright: 2000 The Shreveport Times
Contact:  http://www.shreveporttimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1019
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)

CONFIGURE PROGRAM TO FIT INMATE NEEDS

First Graduates Of Adult Rehabilitation Program Must Be Monitored Closely.

Military-style boot camps as an alternative to prison time have been hailed 
as a way to keep jail costs down and reform nonviolent offenders.

The concept works well for juveniles, as evidenced by the relative success 
of operations in the state, including the STAR boot camp in Caddo Parish.

But a similar concept aimed at adults may require some changes if it is to 
continue to help reduce crime. The Intensive Motivational Program of 
Alternative Correction Treatment, or IMPACT, was implemented in October at 
the Forcht Wade Correctional Center in Caddo Parish. Twenty-one inmates 
graduate from the program next month, the first to leave from the program 
aimed at nonviolent first-or second-felony offenders with substance abuse 
problems.

Louisiana is to be commended for finding alternatives to prison. The state 
locks up more than 7 percent of its population, the highest in the country. 
Many of those behind bars have drug convictions. The basic concept of a 
boot camp, to provide structure and discipline, seems reasonable enough. 
However, officials need to closely watch recidivism rates to determine 
whether the program is effective. Recent studies show boot camp graduates 
become repeat offenders at a lower rate than those who go to traditional 
prisons, so that's a sign of success.

But law enforcement officials must make sure post-supervision measures keep 
graduates out of jail and make them productive members of society. Any 
progressive strategy to rehabilitate rather than imprison can save 
cash-strapped Louisiana dollars and help society as well. But officials, 
after monitoring the program's effectiveness, must be willing to make 
changes if necessary.
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