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Abstract: 

This study examines the performance differences between state-run community corrections centers (CCCs) and privately operated community contract facilities (CCFs) in Pennsylvania from the perspective of Pennsylvania state parole employees. This study uses both quantitative data from electronic surveys as well as qualitative data from interviews. Forty-three state parole employees who have supervised parolees in CCCs or CCFs participated in surveys. Three state parole employees involved in the same type of supervision participated in interviews. Survey participants were asked to rate the importance of different performance measures, including access to parolees, staff safety, quality of communication, quality of treatment programs, parolee safety, and reducing recidivism on a four-point Likert scale. Participants were then asked to rate how well each type of center performs on those measures on a four-point Likert scale. For all of the performance measures, CCCs received a higher average score than CCFs. The information collected in interviews mirrored that of the surveys. Participants in both surveys and interviews were also asked to identify how important cost to the government of housing parolees in each type of center is to them. Government cost was consistently less important to participants than other performance measures.

Keywords: Community corrections centers (CCCs), community contract facilities (CCFs), parolee housing, Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, government cost

Affiliations:  1: Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole.