Galleguillos, S., Koetzle, D., & Mellow, J. (2024). Legal reforms, non-custodial sanctions, and parole in Chile. In The Routledge Handbook on Global Community Corrections. Edited by Ioan Durnescu, James M. Byrne, Benjamin J. Mackey, & Faye Taxman, Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9781003305149
During the past two decades, Chile has enacted several laws and guidelines aimed at reforming and modernizing its criminal justice system, including expanding the use of non-custodial sanctions and reforming the use of parole. Today, most individuals under criminal justice supervision in Chile are serving non-custodial sentences surpassing the number of individuals serving prison sanctions, and only a small fraction are released from prison under parole. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the reforms and the use of alternatives to incarceration in Chile, exploring the main trends and particularities of each non-custodial sanction and parole. To achieve this goal, we describe the main features of Gendarmería, the agency in charge of all adults’ sanctions in Chile. In addition, we describe the outcomes of each non-custodial sentence and parole, focusing on the recidivism rates found in Gendarmería's reports and academic research. We conclude by suggesting future research areas to better understand and evaluate the use of non-custodial sanctions and parole in Chile.
Galleguillos, S., Sánchez Cea, M., Koetzle, D., Mellow, J., Schwalbe, C. (2022). The COVID-19 Pandemic and Probation in Chile: Remote Supervision and Regional Differences. International Criminology, (2)1, 70-83. Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43576-022-00044-3
This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on clients, officers, and the use of remote supervision across different regions of Chile. The results of our survey show an important shift from in-person interactions to remote communication. We discuss the relevance of the geographical and socioeconomic context before implementing remote supervision as community supervision core practice.
Nunphong, T., Mellow, K., Koetzle, D, & Schwalbe, C. (2023). Exploring Thailand’s Probationary Practices Since COVID-19: Changes in strategies with regards to probation supervision. Victims & Offenders, 18, 842-861. DOI: 10.1080/15564886.2022.2131667
This study explores the policies and practices of Thailand’s Department of Probation as it responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate that probation officers were able to maintain the supervision levels under the coronavirus-related restrictions although the contact methods were radically changed to remote communication tools.
Mellow, J. (2023). Reflections on the Power of Workplace and Technological Synergy in Community Corrections, Keynote Address, 1st Asian and Pacific Probation Conference, Seoul, Korea.
This keynote address to the 1st Asian and Pacific Probation Conference discusses how “synergy” and “technological synergy” can improve the successful outcomes of those under community correctional supervision.
Fanarraga, I., Barthelemy, S., Koetzle, D., & Mellow, J. (2021). A content analysis of prison websites: Exploring approaches to rehabilitation in Latin America. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 66(6-7), 718-734. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X211010292
This study examines the existence of language supporting rehabilitative practices and goals on official prison system websites across Latin American countries. Findings suggest that the region has embraced rehabilitative goals, but there is limited evidence to indicate that evidence-based practices are emphasized when it comes to assessment and programming.
Koetzle, D. & Mellow, J. (2019). Improving prison management and community reintegration through risk, need, and responsivity. Revista de la Maestría en Administración Pública, 2, 187-202.
Koetzle, D., Mellow, J., Piñol, D., & Pugliese, K. (2021). Practical Guide to Youth Risk and Need Assessments in Latin America and the Caribbean. American Institutes for Research & John Jay College. [Also available in Spanish]
This guide provides an overview of risk and need assessments for youth on supervision. It is intended for agencies interested in adopting and implementing a tool to improve supervision and case management of youth in tertiary settings.
Limoncelli, K., Mellow, J. & Na, C. (2019). Determinants of Inter-Country Prison Incarceration and Overcrowding in Latin America and the Caribbean. International Criminal Justice Review, 30: 10-29. DOI: 10.1177/1057567719830530
This study tests the influence of political, social, and economic factors on the prison population rate in Latin American and the Caribbean. Findings demonstrate that government effectiveness and political stability are significantly and positively associated with increased prison population rates, while government effectiveness is simultaneously negatively related to prison overcrowding.