Correctional Retraining in the Navy: Follow-Up Evaluation

Abstract : The objectives of this effort were to conduct a follow-up evaluation of the effectiveness of pilot retraining programs at correctional custody units (CCUs) especially established for retraining at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and Coronado, California and at a Behavior Skill Training (BEST) Unit established at Norfolk, Virginia in improving performance and reducing disciplinary problems (recidivism) and attrition, and to determine the survival rates of individuals assigned to CCUs (including those at Coronado and Pearl Harbor) and brigs during FY81. For the retraining (longitudinal) sample, performance was measured through supervisory ratings obtained at various intervals. For the longitudinal and FY81 samples, recidivism was measured by determining the number of times assignees had been reassigned to a CCU or brig following retraining; and attrition, by using two survivability measures. Results showed that the retraining programs at CCUs Pearl Harbor and Coronado and BEST were effective in improving performance and in reducing recidivism and attrition. No significant differences were found between results of the previous and current evaluations of these programs. The survivability rates for those assigned to CCUs or brigs during FY81 varied widely. However, only 43 percent of those assigned to brigs are still in the service or successfully completed service, compared to 71 percent for CCUs.