The Impact of an Intensive Supervision Program on High-Risk Offenders: Manitoba’s COHROU Program

Abstract

Intensive supervision programs (ISP) have a long history in the United States but only a relatively short existence in Canada. Manitoba’s Criminal Organization High Risk Offender Unit (COHROU) program combines intensive supervision, support, and program placement with rapid police response in the event of non-compliance with supervision conditions. COHROU attempts to use evidence-based programs to address criminogenic needs and supplement surveillance. This quantitative retrospective study assesses program clients admitted over 8 years (N = 409), following up on new convictions for violent, property, breach of probation, and other offences both during the program and for a 2-year period following supervision. Days in custody are also tracked 3 years pre- and post-program. Findings indicate that reoffending was substantial but that a large number of convictions were technical violations. Using benchmark comparisons pre- and post-program, reductions were observed in violent reoffence, days in custody, and overall crime severity. While the downward trends in offence seriousness and incarceration are promising, the evaluation’s claims of ISP efficacy are limited by the lack of a comparison group. Future researchers may also wish to investigate more qualitative aspects of COHROU program operation and probation officer supervision to understand what features of the program affect participants.