The Impact of Community Supervision Officer Training Programs on Officer and Client Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Traditional forms of community supervision focusing on control and punitive functions have been shown to be ineffective in improving client outcomes. In response, several officer training programs, including the Strategic Training Initiative in Community Supervision (STICS), Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS), and Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Re-arrest (STARR) models, have been developed to better incorporate more rehabilitative-focused strategies into community corrections practices. In this meta-analysis of 25 studies, we assessed the impact of these programs on a variety of officer and client outcomes. Findings revealed that officer training increases the focus of the discussion content and use of core correctional practice skills during interactions with clients. Results also indicated that training in these programs produces reductions in client recidivism, especially among officers who implement core correctional practice skills with greater fidelity. This study supports the continued use of officer training programs and identifies areas for future research.