From Optimistic Policies to Pessimistic Outcomes

Abstract

Although much of the evaluation research conducted to date on correctional boot camps has produced less-than-favorable results, unimpressive outcomes do not appear to have had a significant impact on their steadfast endurance. To some extent, this may be a reflection of the basic reality that correctional practices have not traditionally been strongly influenced by empirical research. Yet, in this era of public accountability, fiscal constraints, and demands to identify “what works,” similarly consistent findings might well have sounded the death knell for less notable correctional interventions. Why have boot camps been spared? Addressing this question calls for an analysis of the policy-making process itself, since the untimely endurance of a popular initiative may have more to do with the conditions promoting its acceptance than the conclusions discouraging its continuance. Probing boot camps from the perspective of the public policy process-ranging from conceptualization to formulation, implementation, and ultimately, evaluationoffers valuable insights into where breakdowns may have occurred between initial intentions and ultimate outcomes. Moreover, if correctional boot camps are not ready to succumb politically, perhaps such insights can provide guidance toward undertaking the modifications necessary to enhance their chances of succeeding pragmatically.