How Smartphone Technology Can Link the Theoretical, Policy, and Practical Contexts of Community Supervision Reform: Voices from the Field. Issue 7 (3rd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pattavina, April; Corbett, Ronald P.
• Is Part Of: Victims & offenders. Volume 14:Issue 7(2019)
• Page Start: 777
• Page End: 792
• Publication Date: 2019-10-03
• Subjects: Community corrections -- technology -- addiction -- probation; Victims of crimes -- Periodicals; Criminals -- Periodicals; 362.8805
• DOI: 10.1080/15564886.2019.1659894
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1556-4886

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this article is present how Smartphone technology can facilitate a model of community supervision that is based on a positive probation paradigm. As more scholars, policy makers, and practitioners call for a shift away from punitive supervision practices that have fueled mass incarceration over the last few decades, we argue that technology offers considerable promise in supporting this shift at the case management level. First, we describe the theoretical and policy directions that underpin our argument for adapting smartphone technology for this purpose followed by our blueprint of a positive probation case management system we refer to as a "BEACON" (Behavioral Economics Application with Correctional Opportunities Notifications) based case management system. We then present the results of interviews conducted with stakeholders in a Massachusetts jurisdiction to gauge their reactions to the BEACON case management model.