Post release arrest experiences of federal prisoners: A six-year follow-up

The likelihood of further criminal conduct is important in allocation decisions for parole supervision resources. In this article, the relationship between arrest-free time after release (alone and in combination with other variables) and the probability of subsequent arrest is examined for a relatively large random sample of released federal prisoners (N=1,806). A six-year follow-up period is made possible by the use of “rap sheet” records provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Knowledge of this relationship may be used to provide empirical guidance for decisions about the intensity and/or duration of supervision; and a method for the practical application of this knowledge in case decision-making is illustrated.     

Reliability and validity of the oral interview board in police promotions: A research note

In recent years the validity of personnel systems has come to be more closely examined. This study focuses on one component of the police promotion system, the oral interview board. It examines the oral interview boards of a state police agency in which 161 state police troopers were aspiring for the rank of sergeant. Reliability and validity of the process are evaluated. The findings indicate that although the reliability coefficients were acceptable, significant differences in the ratings of similar types of raters across boards existed. Several statistical procedures were also used to investigate the validity of the procedure, but validity could not be established for this particular case. Several recommendations for improving the procedure are made.     

Escape from Domination: the Concept of Disengagement in Third World Studies

All political systems have their quota of dissidents, cynics and the apathetic who, rather than trying to change the structures of oppression, opt to withdraw from them. The phenomena associated with such withdrawal include political migration, secession, second economy activity, counterculture movements and departicipation from political activity and voting. 'Disengagement' boldly claims to provide a single unifying concept to embrace them all. Following an assessment of its use within different paradigms, common problems of defining the boundaries of disengagement are considered. Finally a tentative typology is offered.