Abstract
The impact of shock incarceration programs on prison crowding in five states was examined using a model to estimate bed space loss or savings. Recidivism rates, duration of imprisonment, dismissal rates, and program capacity were used to estimate the programs' impact if the probabilities that the offenders would have been in prison or on probation were varied. Results indicated that if the goal of a short-term incarceration program is to reduce prison crowding, it must be carefully designed and monitored with this purpose in mind.
