Challenge Incarceration Program Evaluation - 2006

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) has completed an in-depth evaluation of its Challenge Incarceration Program (CIP) boot camp and found that it has saved taxpayer dollars and reduced recidivism.

     The report looked at all CIP offenders since the program began in 1992, one of the longest periods for such an evaluation.  It compared CIP participants with a control group with similar criminal factors.  The evaluation found that:

• CIP decreased the chances of reoffending with a new felony conviction by 32 percent.
• CIP decreased the chances of reincarceration for a new crime by 35 percent.
• CIP offenders were less likely than the control group to be reimprisoned for a person offense
• The early release provision for CIP graduates has saved nearly 1,500 prison beds.
• CIP’s impact on bed space and recidivism has reduced costs by over $18 million.

     “CIP has proven to be a successful program for Minnesota,” said Corrections Commissioner Joan Fabian.  “With its focus on chemical dependency treatment and physical regimen, CIP reduces recidivism, enhances public safety, decreases victimization, and saves state and local criminal justice dollars.”

     On July 1, 2006, a snapshot of the 113 adult male and female offenders in CIP showed that the program is serving predominantly drug and alcohol offenders:

• 62% (70) had a meth-related governing offense
• 28% (32) had a non-meth drug offense
• 10% (11) were serving a felony DWI offense

     CIP for 90 male offenders is located at the Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF)-Willow River.  The legislature has appropriated funding to double the male capacity in 2007.  CIP for 24 adult female offenders is located at the MCF-Togo.

For the full Outcome Evaluation Report, click here.

To view the Research in Brief, click here.

To view a brief PowerPoint presentation of evaluation findings, click here.