Abstract
Purpose. To determine the effectiveness of the Three Strikes law to deter parolees with two strikes in California from committing their third offense. The intent is to examine which aspects of the law are successful. Secondarily, the study explored the parole agent's handling of parolees with two strikes and the effectiveness of police departments in handling two strikes cases. Methodology. Data for this research were collected from several sources. Primary data were collected from questionnaires submitted by 330 two-strike parolees, 72 parole agents, and 70 deputy sheriffs in the southern California region. In addition, personal interviews of parolees and their families were conducted. Finally, a comprehensive literature review provided comparative and/or supportive data relative to the study's purpose. Findings. The study focused on the effectiveness of education, employment, family support, and punishment as deterrents to the commission of a third strike. The findings indicate that although the effectiveness of correctional education programs remains unresolved, the vast majority of participants in this study had achieved a seventh to twelfth grade level education. Secondly, it was determined that a greater proportion of the parolees surveyed were employed part or full time. It also was discovered that over 90 percent of the parolees surveyed received some form of family support related to their financial, housing, and/or emotional needs. It was discovered that more than 90 percent of the parolees surveyed were particularly fearful of returning to prison. Finally, both parole agents and sheriffs deputies indicated a strong need for more training when dealing with two-strikes parolees. Conclusions and recommendations. Contrary to contemporary literature, the data strongly indicate the fear of imprisonment and the length of sentencing are positive deterrents in the commission of a new crime. The effects of education, employment, and family support, although present in the cases surveyed were less predictive of rearrest. Parole agents and sheriffs deputies need more training in handling two-strikes parolees. The findings induced several operational recommendations to assist in addressing the continuing needs of parolees after release from prison and more comprehensive training and notification requirements for both parole agents and sheriffs deputies who work with and confront two-strikes parolees.