The Effects of Imprisonment: Specific Deterrence and Collateral Effects

This paper examines Oregon’s “Shortterm transitional leave” (STTL) program where prisoners, after serving at least 6 months in prison, can be released for up to 90 days (originally 30 days) before the end of their sentences for the purpose of aiding the prisoner to transition to housing, employment, and relationships with their families. The goal of the study was to determine if the program affected rearrest, reconviction or reincarceration within three years of their actual release. Technical violations were also tracked.

Punishment by way of imprisonment is expensive and has been shown to have a number of negative impacts on society. It also has little, if any, effect in reducing crime.

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