CONFIGURE PROGRAM TO FIT INMATE NEEDS

First Graduates Of Adult Rehabilitation Program Must Be Monitored Closely.

Military-style boot camps as an alternative to prison time have been hailed
as a way to keep jail costs down and reform nonviolent offenders.

The concept works well for juveniles, as evidenced by the relative success
of operations in the state, including the STAR boot camp in Caddo Parish.

But a similar concept aimed at adults may require some changes if it is to
continue to help reduce crime. The Intensive Motivational Program of
Alternative Correction Treatment, or IMPACT, was implemented in October at
the Forcht Wade Correctional Center in Caddo Parish. Twenty-one inmates
graduate from the program next month, the first to leave from the program
aimed at nonviolent first-or second-felony offenders with substance abuse
problems.

Louisiana is to be commended for finding alternatives to prison. The state
locks up more than 7 percent of its population, the highest in the country.
Many of those behind bars have drug convictions. The basic concept of a
boot camp, to provide structure and discipline, seems reasonable enough.
However, officials need to closely watch recidivism rates to determine
whether the program is effective. Recent studies show boot camp graduates
become repeat offenders at a lower rate than those who go to traditional
prisons, so that's a sign of success.

But law enforcement officials must make sure post-supervision measures keep
graduates out of jail and make them productive members of society. Any
progressive strategy to rehabilitate rather than imprison can save
cash-strapped Louisiana dollars and help society as well. But officials,
after monitoring the program's effectiveness, must be willing to make
changes if necessary.