FIRST COURT-MARTIAL SCREENING PROGRAM PILOT STUDY
Abstract
OFFENDERS' BACKGROUNDS, THE VALUE OF SCREENING AND TREATING THEM, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL PROBLEMS INVOLVED WERE STUDIED (AD-239 422). Of 50 offenders, 150 are controls, 150 are evaluated but not helped, and 150 are evaluated and treated as indicated. Six months follow-up data exist for 335 cases. Offenders compared with average Soldiers, are younger, have less education, service, and rank, lower character and efficiency, and m re AWOL's. They do not differ with respect to intelligence and volunteer status. Offenses are more common among Negroes. Military offenses (chiefly AWOL) predominate. Personal characteristics and unit differences alter offense rates. Preliminary data indicate those in the treated group received more discharges for ineffectiveness than control offenders. It was impossible to give routine treatment because of the administrative problems and professional problems such as delayed report of trial, broken appointments, temporary absence of offender and other delays in evaluation and treatment. Offenders lacked concrete problems, were negativistic, and unmotivated. The professional staff was pessimistic about treatment outcome, and increasingly doubted the effectiveness of the program. These factors, plus number of offenders involved (50% above routine workload), make individual screening unwise. A field program of professional consultation with commanders on management of ineffectives may be a better technique. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0261001
Entities
People
- Robert S. Nichols