Supervision Outcomes Hinge on Single Access to Relevant Data

Supervision plays a crucial role in the justice system, aiming to rehabilitate individuals and effectively reintegrate them into society. Their success often hinges on officers having a deep understanding of the individual’s history and having the right data at the right time. It’s more than just the Cliffs Notes. It’s an in-depth view of their life in the system — who they are, where they’ve been, how they behave and react — sometimes as they cross counties and jurisdictions, or in some cases before they even stepped foot behind bars.

However, supervision, courts, and corrections have operated in silos for decades. Valuable data is locked within each system, hindering decision-making and successful supervision outcomes, especially for those most at risk.

Comprehensive access to relevant data from diverse sources across the justice ecosystem makes a holistic view possible. With a connected case management system, data is an asset, and what officers do with it could positively influence the outcome. Consider the types of data that could inform decision-making.

Arrest History

Charges or warrants (past and present), bail or bond details, and supervision terms are all pieces of the puzzle telling a bigger story. They are all connected, indicating what led to the current situation or what may likely happen next. What was the crime that resulted in the booking? Is there a history of arrest? Is there a pattern of quickly posting bail, or do they have the means to post bail at all? What are the supervision conditions while on probation or parole? Coupling these details with completed assessments, officers can determine an appropriate risk level and thus the most suitable action plan to aid the individual toward a more positive path.

For example, say an individual has a history of recurring domestic crime for most of their adult life. Research suggests this individual may require more intensive supervision with a focus on rehabilitative or workforce programs. On the other side, say an individual was arrested for their first low-level misdemeanor late in life, posted bail quickly, and has maintained a consistent job for 20 years. These points may indicate a lower risk level and fewer supervision needs as a result. Connecting these pieces of an individual’s story allows officers to focus their attention where it matters most: on individuals most at risk for recidivism.

Health and Wellness

Following the pandemic, mental health awareness has become increasingly important for overall health. The spotlight on providing resources for those needing help cannot be overstated, especially as studies indicate mental illness and substance abuse are significantly higher in the supervised population.

To effectively aid supervised individuals, officers should consider health data that suggest patterns. What do health records indicate from the past five years? What medications are or have been prescribed? Is there a history of drug abuse? What help was given and what was the outcome? These data points allow for targeted and tailored interventions. Getting individuals into treatment programs, assigning sponsors, and completing daily check-ins for drugs and alcohol could be starting points for establishing the appropriate support circles that help reroute lifestyles.

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Socioeconomics

One of the contributing causes of incarceration is poverty. From a recent study, 57% of incarcerated men and 72% of incarcerated women were in poverty prior to being arrested. Large numbers of individuals are sent to prison with low levels of education, skills, and income, and when they reenter society, they can be presented with those barriers all over again. Agencies should consider these factors when trying to reverse the likelihood of recidivism.

What level of involvement with social services has been present? What is the education level? Could a low-income level have negatively influenced the outcome? Are there any connections to family members in the justice system? Understanding how to present solutions to supervised individuals based on these circumstances can fuel improved supervision outcomes, whether it be skills management or housing programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.

A Case Management System Founded in a Data-Driven Ecosystem

Every individual is unique with distinct needs. With many contributing factors within a case, data is the tipping point for better outcomes. Data is the catalyst to informed decision-making. It gives officers the whole story to create effective supervision practices, unlocking the immense potential for positive change. For data to enhance supervision outcomes, it must be:

• Accessible and accurate, leveraged across agencies in real time, balancing both community safety and supervision outcomes.
• Resourceful and actionable, designed to not only inform but propel decision-making.
• Governed and monitored, shared ethically between agencies as provisioned and safeguarded for appropriate use. (More on this topic in a later blog where we analyze data sharing versus data integration methodologies.)

Breaking down data silos and implementing a data-driven approach is not just an option, it’s a necessity. By harnessing the power of data and intentionally sharing its relevance across agencies, officers are empowered to get to work quickly and make informed decisions that will positively impact outcomes — and break the cycle of recidivism.

Working together — without silos — supervision, courts, and corrections can adjust behavior, offer preventive intervention, and foster collaboration to develop tailored solutions that build trust, leading to greater effectiveness and sustainability of stronger, safer communities.