A system-wide implementation and evaluation of the Strategic Training Initiative in Community Supervision (STICS)

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the province-wide implementation of the Strategic Training Initiative in Community Supervision (STICS) in British Columbia, Canada. MethodsProbation officers (PO) audio recorded a sample of their supervision sessions with probationers prior to and after receiving STICS training. Training involved teaching POs to apply cognitive-behavioral interventions to address the criminogenic needs of their clients. Both the general and violent recidivism rates of probationers were measured using a national criminal history database. Recidivism was defined as a new conviction. ResultsAfter training, audio recordings showed clear improvements in the content of discussions and the intervention techniques used by POs. Compared to a random sample of probationers supervised prior to STICS training, clients of STICS-trained POs had significantly lower 2-year general recidivism rates (43.0% vs. 61.4%; OR = 0.48, 95% CI [0.37, 0.61]) and violent recidivism rates (14.9% vs. 21.2%; OR = 0.65, 95% CI [0.48, 0.89]). ConclusionsTraining POs in how to address criminogenic needs using cognitive-behavioral interventions was associated with significant reductions in client recidivism. This project demonstrated that a community corrections agency can benefit from an evidence-based approach to supervision.