The Rise and Fall of Boot Camps: A Case Study in Common-Sense Corrections

"Common sense" is often used as a powerful rationale for implementing correctional programs that have no basis in criminology and virtually no hope of reducing recidivism. Within this context, we undertake a case study in "common-sense" corrections by showing how the rise of boot...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of offender rehabilitation 2005, Vol.40 (3-4), p.53-70
Main Authors: Cullen, Francis T., Blevins, Kristie R., Trager, Jennifer S., Gendreau, Paul
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Boot camps
Common Sense
Correctional Institutions
correctional rehabilitation
Correctional System
Criminal Justice Policy
Criminals
Criminology
Delinquent Rehabilitation
Institutionalized Persons
Intervention
Law Enforcement
Penal Reform
Program Effectiveness
Program Evaluation
Punishment Rehabilitation Relationship
Recidivism
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Summary:"Common sense" is often used as a powerful rationale for implementing correctional programs that have no basis in criminology and virtually no hope of reducing recidivism. Within this context, we undertake a case study in "common-sense" corrections by showing how the rise of boot camps, although having multiple causes, was ultimately legitimized by appeals to common sense. We also reveal, however, how sustained, rigorous research attenuated this legitimacy and contributed to the diminished appeal of boot camps. The "fall" of this sanction suggests that evidence-based corrections may, at times, compete successfully with common-sense corrections. The policy and practice implications of this observation are explored.
ISSN:1050-9674
1540-8558
DOI:10.1300/J076v40n03_03