ABSTRACT
Intensive supervision programming (ISP) was designed to provide enhanced surveillance of individuals under probation/parole supervision. The “incarceration without walls” model involved stacking on conditions to stiffen the requirements to be successful on supervision. The intensive supervision model was studied in one of the first randomized controlled trials in community corrections settings. This 14-site study was conducted by Drs. Joan Petersilia and Susan Turner, and this study set the stage for future experiments in correctional settings. The study demonstrated that it was possible to intensify supervision over standard probation models, but the enhanced conditions did not have an impact on recidivism. The ISP model did increase the technical violation rates. The ISP model created a version of mean probation, known for being demanding and making probation/parole supervision unpredictable and likely to result in reincarceration. The ISP experiment generated interest in relationship-based supervision where there is rapport based on caring and trust between the officer and the supervisee. Many different training models emerged to transform probation and parole services from a surveillance-based framework to an enhanced ability to create a social learning environment. Pilot studies testing the impact of a relationship-based supervision model show great promise including an impact of reducing recidivism. This paper outlines the issues related to improve the culture of probation and parole organizations to provide for a meaningful probation experience. Transformative changes are needed to advance probation/parole organizations from a surveillance (compliance) model of supervision to a relationship-based supervision model.
