26 JUSTICE REFORM
The Implications of Dissemination of Applied Behavior Analysis in the Criminal Justice System
Abstract
The programs commonplace within the criminal justice system are thought to be punitive and show little evidence to support the punishing effect. The actual repercussions of these measures result in an ineffective system that sustains an environment further reinforcing criminal behavior. There is no doubt that behavioral science can create behavior change, allowing individuals to access reinforcement in ways that are socially acceptable and functional. However, the contingencies set by society, both legislative and social, create immense barriers making it difficult to reach a larger population. A broader systemic approach is necessary to adjust society’s response to criminal behavior using the basic behavioral science principles of operant conditioning.
Keywords
justice system
criminal behavior
operant conditioning
corrections
correctional facility
War on Crime
incarceration
behavior skills training
rehabilitation
recidivism rate
therapeutic contingencies
social/political contingencies
delinquency
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
Tertiary interventions
probation
re-entry programs
replacement behaviors
behavioral cusps
external control
therapeudic intervention
discipline
deterrence
surveillance
restorative programs
misconduct
response cost
corrective feedback
behavior specific praise
About
Bree Lutzow
MA, MS, BCBA
Bree Lutzow is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst born and raised in Orlando, Florida. Bree has bachelor’s degrees in Exercise Science and Psychology and master’s degrees in Exercise Physiology and Special Education. She has 8 years of experience in providing behavior analysis services in a variety of settings including homes, clinics, schools, the community, adult vocational training, and juvenile detention. She has traveled internationally with the Global Autism Project to Indonesia and The Netherlands to provide supervision and consult to partner sites in those areas. She is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International and part of the Health, Sport, and Fitness Special Interest Group and the Crime, Delinquency, and Forensic Behavior Analysis Special Interest Group. Involvement in the special interest groups provided networking opportunities which connected her to work in the juvenile detention setting. Her interest in juvenile detention began with her being part of the Criminal Justice Magnet Program in high school and continued to grow with this career experience. Bree is passionate about creating systemic change to support those at risk of incarceration and continued support upon release to prevent re-offending.