Technical Violations Research Articles

The point of diminishing returns in juvenile probation: Probation requirements and risk of technical probation violations among first-time probation-involved youth.

Technical probation violations are common among probation-involved youth, and across many jurisdictions, may result in detention or residential placement. The current study examined prevalence of technical violations occurring during one's first probation period, the average time to technical violation, and individual-level and justice-related factors related to technical violations among probation-involved youth in a juvenile justice system. We analyzed electronic criminal records of 18,289 probation-involved youth following their first arrest (68.7% male, 53.9% Black, Mage=15.2). Technical violation was defined as a violation resulting from a non-criminal incident. We examined effects of charge severity, probation conditions (e.g., electronic monitoring) and program referrals (e.g., mental health) on likelihood of technical violation utilizing survival analysis stratified by race. Across 18,289 youth, 15.3% received a technical violation during their first probation; Black youth violated more quickly compared to White youth (log-rank test p<.001). In multivariate survival analyses, the hazard for time to technical violation was higher for Black youth compared to white youth (p<.001), males (p=.04), and younger youth (p<.001). Youth assigned to more probation requirements violated more quickly. Electronic monitoring and education, mental health, and drug programs were associated with shorter time to violation, controlling for race, ethnicity, and charge severity. Black youth violate more quickly compared to White youth. Across all youth, assignment to more probation requirements increased risk of technical violation and shorter time to violation. Despite the benefit of probation interventions, system-level efforts are needed to help youth adhere to probation requirements and successfully complete probation.

ESPORTS INTEGRITY POLICIES

ESPORTS INTEGRITY POLICIES

The Effects of Intensive Postrelease Correctional Supervision on Recidivism: A Natural Experiment

In July 2018, the Minnesota Department of Corrections revised the criteria it uses to place soon-to-be-released prisoners on intensive supervision by shifting from mostly offense-based conditions to those based exclusively on risk. In doing so, this policy change provided a unique opportunity to evaluate not only the impact of intensive supervision on recidivism but also whether risk-based policies lead to better outcomes. Using Cox regression and negative binomial regression on a sample of 1,818 persons released in 2018, we found that intensive supervised release (ISR) significantly reduced the hazard for general, felony, and violent reoffending. We also found, however, that ISR significantly increased the risk of a technical violation revocation. The findings from our cost–benefit analysis showed that, despite the relatively high costs it incurred, ISR was a cost-effective intervention because it reduced reoffending for those with a higher risk of committing serious, violent crimes.

Network impact of increasing distributed PV hosting: A utility-scale case study

This paper presents a methodology to assess the cost of upgrading the LV network so that it can host increasing levels of PV distributed generation. The cost is valued in terms of investment, operation and maintenance and losses. A real scale case study (80,000 customers from urban and rural areas, 460 GWh of demand and 3,600 km of MV&LV lines/cables) is thoroughly analysed, using the actual network topology along with the hourly demand of each supply point, provided by smart meters. With the help of a planning-oriented load flow solver, technical violations (congestions and overvoltages) are quantified and classified for different PV penetration scenarios. Then, a heuristic procedure is implemented aimed at identifying the most cost-effective investment solution that sequentially eliminates the previously ranked excessive congestions, assuming that mild congestions and other operational problems, can be addressed without extra investments, either through network switching practices or through the implementation of local flexibility markets. Specifically, it has been found that the direct costs (investment and O&M) arising from the massive deployment of PV generation amount to 2.73 €/kWp and 10.18 €/kWp for scenarios with 30% and 50% PV penetration levels, respectively. No additional investments needed in digitization, monitoring, automation and systems have been considered.

The Relationship Between Patterns of Change in Dynamic Risk and Strength Scores and Reoffending for Men on Community Supervision

Research is needed focusing on the predictive nature of dynamic risk and strength score changes. The current study includes 11,953 Canadian men under community supervision with Service Planning Instrument re-assessment data. Using a retrospective, multi-wave longitudinal design, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was conducted to assess patterns of change in total dynamic risk and strength scores across three to five timepoints over 30 months. Change parameters from the HLM were incorporated into regression models, linking change to three reoffending outcomes: technical violations, new charges, and new violent charges. Results indicated that total dynamic risk scores decreased over time and total dynamic strength scores increased over time, although the rate of change for both was gradual. Change in total dynamic risk scores was predictive of all outcomes, whereas change in total dynamic strength scores only predicted technical violations. Results demonstrated the utility of re-assessing dynamic risk and strength scores over time.

A Qualitative Analysis of Parole Suspensions among Women on Parole

In studying parole outcomes, researchers have pointed to the prominence of technical violations (e.g., breaches of release conditions) in contributing to high rates of custodial returns. In the current study, we contribute to a qualitative understanding of women’s returns to custody in the Canadian federal context. Drawing on casework documents, we analyse pathways to reincarceration by examining circumstances leading up to and surrounding parole suspensions. We conceptualize parole “failure” as a process ( Steen et al. 2013 ) that includes actions, reactions, and decisions on the part of parolees, parole officers, and case managers. Consistent with prior research, we found that parole suspensions were typically tied to non-compliance with parole conditions rather than new offending. However, events prompting suspension were seldom isolated or the first instance of violation. Preceding incidents were typically met with other types of case management response (i.e., enhanced monitoring, verbal intervention, therapeutic responses, and weighing risk against progress). Despite the important role of discretion in responses to violations, we found case management interventions to be largely oriented around managing compliance with parole conditions. We discuss the implications of condition-centric parole governance in relation to underlying principles of responsive case management.

Gender and Community Supervision: Examining Differences in Violations, Sanctions, and Recidivism Outcomes

While correctional scholarship emphasizes the importance of addressing dynamic risk factors in changing behavior, a debate continues on the role of gendered effects relating to such factors and supervision strategies. This study advances the debate and approach to violators by examining factors that reduce recidivism among technical violators. Using a large purposive sample of people on supervision, this study assesses differences between men and women in violating behavior, the sanctions used, and subsequent responses. To isolate effects of gender, we employ propensity score modeling coupled with a doubly robust design. Findings suggest that while some gendered differences exist, effect sizes are generally small and suggest responses to violators may be best focused on dynamic factors generally, rather than gender specific.

The Impact of a Community Supervision Officer Training Program on Client Outcomes: A Propensity Score Modeling Analysis by Officer Training Dosage

A growing body of research indicates officer training in correctional supervision programs is associated with improved use of evidence-based practices and lower rates of client recidivism. This scholarship also suggests larger reductions in recidivism can be achieved when officers implement program skills with higher quality. Despite their potential, research has shown standard training regiments alone are not sufficient in making all participants proficient users of skills. There is a need to determine what intensity of training produces the best results. In response, this study assessed the impact of federal probation officer training dosage in the Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Re-arrest (STARR) program on the outcomes of their clients. The results indicated clients of STARR-trained officers had fewer probation revocations and new arrests but more technical violations and positive drug tests. We also found clients supervised by officers with more versus less exposure to the STARR model had better outcomes.

Who Gets a Second Chance? Effectiveness and Equity in Supervision of Criminal Offenders

Abstract Most convicted offenders serve their sentences under “community supervision” at home instead of in prison. Under supervision, however, a technical rule violation, such as not paying fees, can result in incarceration. Rule violations account for 25% of prison admissions nationally and are significantly more common among black offenders. I test whether technical rules are effective tools for identifying likely reoffenders and deterring crime and examine their disparate racial impacts using administrative data from North Carolina. Analysis of a 2011 reform reducing prison punishments for technical violations on probation reveals that 40% of rule breakers would go on to commit crimes if spared harsh punishment. The same reform also closed a 33% black-white gap in incarceration rates without substantially increasing the black-white reoffending gap. These effects combined imply that technical rules target riskier probationers overall but disproportionately affect low-risk black offenders. To justify black probationers’ higher violation rate on efficiency grounds, their crimes must be roughly twice as socially costly as that of white probationers. Exploiting the repeat spell nature of the North Carolina data, I estimate a semiparametric competing risks model that allows me to distinguish the effects of particular types of technical rules from unobserved probationer heterogeneity. Rules related to the payment of fees and fines, which are common in many states, are ineffective in tagging likely reoffenders and drive differential effects by race. These findings illustrate the potentially large influence of ostensibly race-neutral policies on racial disparities in the justice system.

Just as Good as the Real Thing? The Effects of Prison Video Visitation on Recidivism

While research has consistently shown that in-person prison visitation is associated with reduced recidivism, much less is known about the effects of video visits. This study compares recidivism outcomes between 885 inmates who had at least one video visit and a matched comparison group of 885 who did not receive a virtual visit. Video visits reduced two measures of recidivism (general and felony reconvictions) but did not have a significant effect on the other two measures (violent reconviction and technical violation revocations). As the number of video visits increased, so did the size of the recidivism reduction, at least for general and felony reoffending. Despite the generally favorable impact on recidivism, video visitation was used sparingly by Minnesota’s prison population.

Damned from release: the effects of neighborhood churches on general and technical parole violation reincarcerations across time

ABSTRACT Recently, interest has piqued on the effects of neighborhood context on parolee recidivism; however, examinations often neglect to model neighborhood institutions. One type of institution that may be important to neighborhood processes, and moreover, parolee reentry, are houses of worship. Based on the literature, we examine the effect of congregation-oriented (i.e., Evangelical Protestant) and community-oriented (i.e., Catholic and Mainline Protestant) churches on parolee reincarceration. Furthermore, reincarceration was disaggregated to test whether effects were more sensitive to technical parole violations (TPV), or varied by time served on parole. Parolee data were obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA-DOC) and Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole (PBPP) for 3,077 parolees released to 209 neighborhoods across Philadelphia. Multilevel analyses indicated that community-oriented (i.e., Mainline Protestant, Catholic) churches were not associated with parolee outcomes. Conversely, Evangelical Protestant churches were associated with increased odds of reincarceration, and strongest on TPV reincarceration and after the initial six months following release.

Exploring the Impact of Technical Violations on Probation Revocations in the Context of Drug Court

Prior research indicates a large number of drug court participants commit technical violations, subsequently increasing the likelihood of revocation. However, there is limited research investigating the potential heterogeneous effects of technical violations on probation revocation in the context of drug court participation as a condition of probation. The current study provides an initial investigation into the relationship between specific categories of technical violations for offenders court-ordered to participate in a drug court. Results indicate that while the total number of violations predicts revocation and jail sanctions, specific violations have varying effects. Specifically, positive drug tests during court participation significantly predicted probation revocation. Regarding jail sanctions, all categories of violations with the exception of failure to pay and “other” violations were predictive of receiving jail time. Policy implications for probation practice are provided.

Modeling Repeat DUI Offender Probation Outcomes Using the Wisconsin Risk Need Assessment.

This multiyear study of felony driving while intoxicated (DWI) probationers explores the efficacy of the Wisconsin Risk Need Assessment tool along with sociodemographic factors as measures of probation outcomes. To date, few studies have explored the relationship between risk assessment data and technical violations as well as subsequent arrests of individuals on probation. The sample for this study consists of 596 chronic DWI offenders on community supervision in one county who either had been rearrested for a new offense, violated a technical condition of their probation, or committed no violations within the first 5 years of community supervision. The findings are that older defendants and those who had more dependents were more likely to have committed a technical violation compared with the other two groups. Those rearrested for a new offense were slightly younger compared with the other two groups, less likely to be employed and younger at the age of first adjudication of guilt. This study highlights the limited overall utility of the Wisconsin tool in determining probation outcomes and that static factors may be as important as dynamic factors when developing a supervision strategy for chronic DWI offenders.

Does in-prison physical and mental health impact recidivism?

Incarceration is definitively linked to poor health, and upon release from prison, many individuals experience difficulty in maintaining good health. Given the complexity of the reentry process, one's health status, both in and out of prison, likely influences additional aspects of reentry, such as abstaining from crime or adhering to parole terms. The purpose of this study is to determine whether in-prison physical and mental health, as well as changes to an individual's health upon release from prison, are related to the likelihood of recidivating. We employ the Serious and Violent Reentry Initiative (SVORI) data, a multi-state sample of formerly incarcerated males who are followed from prison to release into the community and interviewed about a number of post-prison release issues, including health. We use hierarchical logistic and multinomial regressions, where survey waves are nested within people, to assess if in-prison physical and mental health and post-release changes to health are associated with recidivism in two ways: general re-incarceration and re-incarceration due to either a technical violation of parole or a new conviction. With right-censoring due to recidivism or “failure,” our final sample size is 2180 person-periods (i.e., waves) nested within 871 respondents. We find that better physical health, both in-prison and changes in health post-release, is related to a higher likelihood of recidivating. Better mental health, both in-prison and changes to mental health post-release, is related to a decrease in the likelihood of recidivating. Individuals with poor mental health in-prison who make significant improvements after release see the largest reduction in their odds of recidivating. Finally, the combination of better mental health in-prison and increases in mental health post-release is associated with reductions in the likelihood of re-offending for both technical violations and new convictions. In sum, in-prison health continues to influence individuals after prison and is associated with their odds of recidivating, thus contributing to the churning of individuals through the prison system.

False Claims Act Liability for Overtreatment.

Overtreatment is costly, but is it fraud? In a growing number of False Claims Act cases, the Department of Justice has sought and received multimillion dollar settlements from providers accused of billing Medicare for unnecessary care. This article evaluates the use of the False Claims Act as a tool for reducing overuse. The author reviewed (1) recent cases where litigants sparred over the applicability of the False Claims Act to overtreatment, and (2) criticisms of the expanding use of the False Claims Act in health care. Some judges have dismissed suits on the grounds that expert testimony regarding the necessity of treatment is insufficient for concluding Medicare claims were false or fraudulent. Other judges have let cases proceed, especially in instances where clinicians appear to have overstated the severity of patients' illnesses to justify treatment. Cases that lead to changes in medical practice may result in substantial savings to the Medicare program. Courts have struggled with how to apply the False Claims Act to overtreatment. False Claims Act cases that address unnecessary care are potentially less problematic than other types of cases that address technical violations with few implications for costs or quality.

Precursors to Probation and Parole Agent Communication Patterns with Female Clients

ABSTRACTSupervising agents serve dual roles as they both help and control the over one million women in the United States (U.S.) on probation and parole as the women strive for lives free of substance abuse and crime. Previous research has found that supervising agent communication patterns have a strong influence on these positive outcomes. Little is known, however, about the precursors to the conversational and conformity communication patterns supervising agents use as they serve these dual roles for their female clients. In this study, which is part of a longer-term investigation of communication between women offenders and their supervising agents, multilevel modeling was used to investigate both the characteristics of the agent and of the women they supervise as precursors to agent communication patterns. Supervising agents’ client-specific conversational patterns were predicted by their typical self-reported conversational patterns and client assessment of agents’ patterns. Conformity patterns of agents were predicted by agent typical self-reported conformity patterns. Also, providing evidence that agents adapt their communication patterns due to recipient characteristics and behaviors, the offender characteristics of adult abuse predicted greater use of a conversation pattern, whereas offender characteristics of child abuse, antisocial attitude, and lower self-efficacy predicted lower use of a conversational pattern. Higher levels of technical violations, recent arrests, and substance abuse predicted greater use of a conformity pattern with specific clients. A conversational pattern promotes a number of positive outcomes, so this suggests the efficacy of shifting agents toward establishing this pattern, especially with women whose personal characteristics were related to the use of a conformity pattern.

Recall to prison in Belgium: Back-end sentencing in search of reintegration

In recent years, the United States and England and Wales have witnessed growing re-incarceration rates. This growth is not only due to the courts sending more people to prison (‘front-end sentencing’), but also due to an increasing number of revocations of early release measures, mainly following technical violations of licence conditions (so called ‘back-end sentencing’). However, it is unclear whether the same phenomenon exists in other (European) countries. Therefore, we empirically studied prison recall decision-making processes in Belgium by file analysis, complemented with focus groups with the decision makers involved in the recall process of prisoners with a sentence of more than three years. We found that the recall process in Belgium is embedded in a strong narrative of ‘giving chances’ and that all decision makers deploy a large amount of discretion, which they use to make deliberate decisions in an attempt to facilitate parolees’ reintegration process. Non-compliance with imposed conditions does not automatically lead to recall and even when a parolee is sent back to prison, recall is framed by the decision makers as a step in the reintegration process, not the end of it.

Drug Testing and Community Supervision Outcomes

The requirement to submit to drug testing is either a standard or special condition of adult community correctional supervision in most jurisdictions. Positive drug test results are one of the most common violations of probation that result in official action by a supervising officer. This study examines the relationship between individual characteristics, drug test results, and federal supervision outcomes. Results indicate that individual risk score and offense category are associated with positive drug tests. Furthermore, testing positive for hard drugs is associated with revocation for new crimes and non-drug technical violations, but testing positive for cannabis only is not associated with supervision revocation for either reason.

Spatial and temporal flexibility assessment in distribution network

In this study, a spatial and temporal flexibility assessment (FA) procedure in a distribution network is presented by taking into account the voltage drop and lines’ loading. Subsequent to the power increase due to a connection requirement is the proportional voltage drop change that determinates the final power allowed for the technical limitations – voltage limit and loading capacity. A generally applicable FA procedure is presented that is tested in a part of a real Slovene electric power distribution network. The used approach shows the additional power that can be injected in a network node without technical violations, that is, the critical consumption power to serve as a secure-power supply buffer. To further allocate power, a flexibility profile must be applied with а required flexible power and duration. The results show the practical execution of the proposed procedure in finding the scope of flexibility power, the temporal duration and the frequency of occurrence. The output helps the distribution network operator to fast-screen the additional power connection request and postpones network investments based on the need to execute and apply flexibility. Moreover, the procedure presented can be used to offer limitation plans or flexibility prioritisation schemes to market stakeholders.

Multisubstance-Using Probationers and the Odds of Arrest While in the Community.

Failed drug tests commonly lead to technical violations and revocation hearings for probationers. The current study extends these observations by examining whether multisubstance-using probationers also have increased odds of arrest in the community. This is important as multisubstance-using probationers may present unique public safety challenges to community corrections agencies and require intensive treatment resources and additional monitoring. Using data from a county-level probation cohort (N = 2,257) from 2009 to 2010, a series of logistic regression analyses estimated the effects of multisubstance use on the odds of being arrested for a new offense while in the community. The findings revealed that multisubstance use and the frequency of multisubstance use increased the odds of arrest while on probation when compared with single-substance users. We discuss how agencies may best supervise multisubstance-using probationers and suggest directions for further examination.