Overview of: “An Evaluation of Day Reporting Centers for Parolees: Outcomes of a Randomized Trial”

Research Summary The present study is an experimental evaluation of day reporting centers (DRCs) as an alternative to incarceration for medium- and high-risk parolees in New Jersey. Male parolees (N = 355) were randomly assigned to a DRC condition or regular parole supervision (the Control condition) for a period of 90 days. Short- and long-term outcomes were examined. The data show that DRC participants were more likely to be arrested and convicted for a new offense in the short term compared to the Control group. DRC participants’ median time to new arrest was 99 days shorter than Control group parolees; however, this difference was not significant. No differences were found between the groups in the long term. Policy Implications Parolees assigned to a DRC fare as well, and in some instances worse, than parolees on regular parole supervision. Given the relative costs associated with each form of supervision, it is not advisable to use the DRC model as an alternative to incarceration for medium- and high-risk parolees.