Is juvenile boot camp policy effective?

Abstract

Militaristic boot camps became very popular in the U.S. in the early 1990's as an alternative to traditional prisons and probation. Less recidivism and less cost were the shibboleths of correctional boot camps. The boot camps are believed to reduce the number of repeat offenders and to lower operational costs. The rehabilitation programs and aftercare activities are thought to bring ongoing changes in inmates' behaviors. Therefore, boot camps are strongly supported by politicians and the public. Tax dollars are spent to operate the boot camps. However, despite the fact that only two decades have passed since the existence of juvenile boot camps, numerous studies have declared that juvenile boot camp prisons are ineffective in reducing future offenses of inmates, operational costs, and in continually changing the behaviors of young offenders.

Juvenile Boot Camps in the Shadow of Tragedies

“…Although prerequisites vary from programme to programme and from state to state, those who committed no violent criminal offence for the first time may participate in the boot camp programme. By age, generally a wider age range of 10 to 25 years can be considered, [1] but each programme may contain a tighter age range as large difference in the participants' age provides an opportunity for the elders to commit physical abuse to the detriment of the youngers within the camp, [7] consequently this is not recommended. Furthermore, there are camps where age conditions are stricter and participation under 16 is not even allowed because the military drill employed there is overly burdensome for the younger ones.…”

“…[4] Those in favour of strict military drills claim that soldiers' personality transforms after being drafted, therefore it is the drilling and discipline that are expected to alter the behaviour of youngsters. It is thought that this way a law-breaking youngster may become a person abiding authority, [1] as training transmits valuable elements from a pedagogical point of view such as emphasis on grooming, setting honour, integrity, and professional liability to the fore as well as respecting traditions. [2] Thus, the camp in accordance with this line of thought shocks participants by the tough physical expectations to make them more inclusive towards the change in personality and deter them from further criminal offences.…”

Hiring more officers to fight crime: Evaluation of U.S.’s 100.000 more police officers policy and lessons for Turkey

“…Politicians and police officials warn people about strangers, rapists, serial killers, violent criminals, and so on. Fear of crime has become one of the most important and debated issue of the society (Gultekin and Gultekin, 2012).…”

Integrating Narrative Therapy Within Rehabilitative Programming for Incarcerated Adolescents

“…The number of adolescents being jailed or otherwise involved in the juvenile justice system has increased within the United States during the past 2 decades (Gültekin & Gültekin, ). Snyder and Sickmund () found that over 50% of detained youth are rearrested after release and nearly 60% with a previous offense return to juvenile court before age 18.…”