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Abstract
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VioLit summary:
OBJECTIVE:
The goal of this article by Ratliff was to describe and evaluate the U.S. Army Correctional Activity (USACA), a boot-camp style Army prison for young, first-time offenders.
METHODOLOGY:
A non-experimental design was employed. The study relied on the author's research and experience with USACA.
FINDINGS/DISCUSSION:
The study reported that USACA was established in 1968 and currently houses 600 Army offenders. It was shown that the facility is structured like an Army basic training camp. The study found that the program used at USACA, Specialized Treatment and Rehabilitation in Army Corrections (STRAC), includes military discipline, rigorous physical activity, and various counseling programs. It was shown that the inmates are required to perform military functions such as saluting and wearing Army uniforms. It was reported that only 6% of the inmates return to Army duty, but 95% of those who do complete their tour of duty. It was stated that most of the offenses involve drugs or alcohol or larceny cases. The data showed that the average age is 24, most are first time offenders, and 97% are males. The author argued that STRAC works best with younger offenders because of the physical demands and the effectiveness of the "shock" element of the program.
It was found that only 10% of USACA inmates released on parole have committed violations and had their parole terminated. The author posited that the STRAC approach emphasizes vocational training and mental health treatment. The research stated that inmates receive job training in fields such as plumbing and carpentry and they attend educational classes. It was found that 97% leave the program with their high school diploma or GED. In addition it was shown that the offenders participate in therapy and counseling sessions to address their problems, addictions, or the reasons for their offense.
The author presented evidence of the program's cost- effectiveness. For example, it was shown that the Army saves $1 million by returning former inmates to duty, thereby avoiding recruiting and training costs of new personnel. Several program evaluations were discussed. It was found that a Prisoner Evaluation System supplies information on each inmate's vocational training and behavior. In addition, it was shown that social work assessments and educational evaluations are utilized. It was found that an exit questionnaire provides information on the inmates' experiences with the program. The study reported that a final questionnaire is sent to the offenders 6 months after their release. Recent surveys showed that almost 50% found the USACA experience helpful, 79% of former inmates had jobs, and 34% reported improved family relationships due to the STRAC program. The author noted that this program is different in some ways from state boot camp style prisons. He mentioned that USACA utilizes the offenders' orientation as a soldier and uses active drill instructors in the camps. The author continued that one-fourth of the offenses are "military-only offenses." He stated that the USACA is unique because the "whole program is Army" (p. 102). The author explained that inmates are in a natural setting in the Army camp.
AUTHOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS:
The author recommended that states and the military prove that these programs are cost-effective, reduce recidivism, and therefore help efforts to decrease crime and prison budgets.
(CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado)
Adult Inmate
Adult Crime
Adult Offender
Adult Treatment
Military
Treatment Program
Shock Incarceration
Boot Camp
Correctional Institution Intervention
Correctional Institution Program
Correctional Institution Treatment
Crime Intervention
Crime Treatment
Intervention Program
Program Effectiveness
Program Evaluation
Correctional Decision Making
Criminal Justice System
Offender Treatment
Offender Rehabilitation
03-05 |