I. Service Tools

Advances in the state of knowledge about effective services for criminal offenders rival the technological improvements in the information tools available to monitor them. A quarter century ago, the common view among criminologists was that "nothing works." Whether it was a program focused on substance abuse, mental health, education, literacy or employment, the belief was that virtually no programs had enough impact on offender behavior to reduce recidivism.

The professional consensus today is quite different. Research has demonstrated convincingly that certain services, delivered in certain ways to certain offenders, can be very effective. Good cognitive or cognitive behavioral treatment reduces recidivism. This is especially so when compared to the results of programs outside the realm of criminal justice, such as those aimed at improving health or education.