Problem
Study Aim:
Address the consequences of traditional punitive approaches to drug possession cases and evaluate the efficacy of the "Treatment First" policy as a diversionary model.
Impact:
Traditional models led to high incarceration rates, disproportionate effects on communities of color, and limited success in reducing recidivism. The new policy sought to mitigate these systemic issues.
Research Question:
What impact has the "Treatment First" policy had on short-term recidivism rates?
Method and Analysis
Program Evaluated:
"Treatment First," a policy implemented by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office in April 2017, focused on de-felonization and tailored diversion programs.
- PCS felonies charged as misdemeanors, unless specific conditions applied.
- Offenders assessed for risk and needs, then diverted to tailored interventions, such as STOP court. Successful completion led to charge dismissal.
Data and Sample Size:
- Data from the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office and Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (March 2015–May 2018).
- Final sample of 4,007 cases, with 2,763 in the control group (pre-Treatment First) and 1,244 in the treatment group (post-Treatment First).
Analysis Used:
- Propensity Score Matching to control for confounding variables.
- Logistic regression on 61 factors to predict group membership and match cases.
Outcome
Key Findings:
- Slight increase in short-term recidivism rates for "Treatment First" participants compared to traditional methods.
- Increase observed in drug and property crime recidivism but not in violent crime.
- Potential factors: Delays between arrest and intervention, less pre-trial detention, and changes in sanction enforcement.
Implications or Recommendations:
- Policymakers should consider the broader structural factors influencing outcomes, such as timelines and resource availability.
- Future research should explore long-term impacts, treatment completion rates, and success measures to refine intervention models.
This study highlights the challenges and trade-offs of transitioning to more rehabilitative justice systems, providing a foundational understanding for practitioners and policymakers aiming to reduce recidivism while addressing systemic inequities.