Effects of Correctional Boot-Camps on Offending

Correctional boot-camps provide judges and prosecutors with an intermediate sentencing options. Although boot-camps differ substantial in the programming provided, participants in the typical boot camp are required to follow a rigorous daily schedule of activities including drill and ceremony and physical training, similar to that of a military boot-camp. Punishment for misbehavior is immediate and swift and usually involves some type of physical activity like push-ups. This publication summarizing the findings from a systematic review of the evidence on the effectiveness of correctional boot-camps. Across the 43 evaluations, the overall results suggest that boot-camps are not more and now less effective at reducing recidivism relative to more traditional sentencing options. Boot-camps with a stronger treatment focus had slightly more positive outcomes. Overall, it appears that boot-camps are not an effective correctional approach.