MAKING IT: INSIDE PERCEPTIONS ON SUCCESS, RELAPSE, AND RECIDIVISM BY IN PRISON THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT COMMUNITY (IPTC) PROGRAM PAROLEES IN HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS A Dissertation by MICHAEL BRUCE HALL Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY August 2003 Major Subject: Educational Human Resource Development MAKING IT: INSIDE PERCEPTIONS ON SUCCESS, RELAPSE, AND RECIDIVISM BY IN PRISON THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT COMMUNITY (IPTC) PROGRAM PAROLEES IN HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS A Dissertation by MICHAEL BRUCE HALL Submitted to the Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Approved as to style and content by: Walter F. Stenning Kenneth E. Paprock (Chair of Committee) (Member) David A. Erlandson Don F. Seaman (Member) (Member) Bryan R. Cole (Head of Department) August 2003 Major Subject: Educational Human Resource Development iii ABSTRACT Making It: Inside Perceptions on Success, Relapse, and Recidivism by In Prison Therapeutic Treatment Community (IPTC) Program Parolees in Harris County Texas. (August 2003) Michael Bruce Hall, B.S., Ball State University; M.A., Earlham College; M.A., Sam Houston State University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Walter F. Stenning The purpose of this research study was to address the gap in the research literature that existed concerning the absence of qualitative data addressing relapse and recidivism in Texas. Numerous quantitative studies dealt with these issues. However, gaps in the literature existed because accounts and opinions of specific participants regarding these conclusions were absent. Consequently, we lacked specific direction. The perspective of the individual, the insider, was missing. This study helped determine the meaning of “making it” for the parolee/addict attempting to assimilate into the general population and avoid relapse and recidivism. To achieve the research objectives, an ethnographic interview methodology was utilized. The population engaged in the study included male parolees who live in Harris County Texas. All men gained parole between 1992 and 1994, hold positions as professionals in substance abuse counseling, and reported ten years or more of drug free and crime free living. iv The literature review established the documented need and importance for a qualitative study. The literature defined recidivism according to Texas state officials. The literature considered achievement of parolees who attended the Windham School District. The final section of literature considered the development and operation of the In Prison Therapeutic Community (IPTC) program. The findings from the interviews determined that “making it” consisted of working the twelve-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), meeting with parole officers, dealing with risky behaviors, and remaining committed to a drug free and crime free life. Study participants expressed that state record keeping appeared inaccurate and presented a false picture regarding the actual number of drug related arrests and the actual long-term recidivism rate. The participants noted that the Windham School District exhibited a major influence in making a conscious decision to turn toward positive outcomes. It was recommended that the role of the Windham School District be expanded due to the record of achievement. Other recommendations included the establishment of a longitudinal study of Texas parolees to exceed five years in duration to check long-term recidivism rates and an ethnographic study that focused on the members of the Winner’s Circle. v DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated my wife, Beth, who supported me and persevered with me over the years, and to my son, Michael, who inspires me as he completes his undergraduate degree. vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS For their advice and support, I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to the members of my committee, Dr. Walter F. Stenning, Dr. David Erlandson, Dr. Kenneth E. Paprock, and Dr. Don F. Seaman. I wish to give special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Walter F. Stenning, who served as my committee chair, and provided personal and professional guidance and encouragement throughout my graduate school experience at Texas A&M University. I also wish to extend profound thanks to Dr. David Erlandson, who provided professional direction and insight into the ethnographic interview as well as inspiration. I express my gratitude to the rest of my family for their years of interest and support during my quest for the Grail. My thanks to Dr. Barry Gritz, who, without his support “John Nash never would have won the Nobel Prize.” Lastly, I wish to express my thanks to Richard Cain, an intelligent man with a passion for life and zeal to care for others. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT. iii DEDICATION . v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . vii LIST OF FIGURES . ix LIST OF TABLES . x CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION . .. 1 Statement of Problem . 2 Purpose of the Study . 3 Significance of the Study . 4 Research Question . 5 Definition of Terms . 6 Assumptions . 8 Limitations . 8 Organization of the Dissertation . 9 II REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE . 11 The Impact of Recidivism Rates in Texas . .11 An Overview of the Impact in Assessing Offenders and Parolees by Institutional Education in General and by the Windham School District in Particular . 19 Development and Progress of the In Prison Therapeutic Treatment Community (IPTC) Program in Dealing with Substance Abuse . 22 III METHODOLOGY . .32 viii CHAPTER Page Selection of Methodology . .32 Study Population . .33 Instrument Development . 35 Data Collection Procedures . 37 Design and Analysis . 41 IV RESULTS OF THE STUDY . .52 Introduction . 53 Doc Holiday . 54 Wyatt Earp . 80 Dutch Hoffmeyer . 101 Analysis of Research Questions . 126 V SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS . 155 Summary . 155 Summary of Procedures . 159 Conclusion . 167 Recommendations . 170 REFERENCES . 175 APPENDIX A . 183 APPENDIX B . 185 APPENDIX C . 187 APPENDIX D . 212 VITA . 238 ix LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE Page 1 Domain Structure (Spradley) . 41 2 Working the Worksheet Template . 44 3 Summary of Methodology and Procedures . 46 4 Outline and Summary of Methodology and Procedures . 160 x LIST OF TABLES TABLE Page 1 Summary of Research on Results of Recidivism . 17 2 Summary of Research on Results of Correctional Education . 23 3 Further Research on In Prison Therapeutic Community (IPTC) Program and Substance Abuse . 30 1 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Sources in academe and the criminal Justice system documented conditions related to incarceration and recidivism among the released Texas parolee populations for several years. This involves the study of the precarious circumstances that encompass the lives of the Texas male offender prior to incarceration, during incarceration, and upon parole. Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and Criminal Justice Policy Council (CJPC) provide demographic reports dealing with recidivism and factors associated with high and low risk inmates. Race proved a minor factor in recidivism, while sex emerged as a major factor: After one year from release only 6% of female parolees, recidivated compared with 15% of males parolees. (Eisenberg, 1991). The same report cited age as a major factor and contrasted younger and older sets of inmates: 22% of offenders ages 18-22 recidivated within a year, while only 12% of inmates ages 18-22 recidivated during the same period (Eisenberg, 1991). Education impacted recidivism rates for inmates according to CJPC and TDJC data. A 1996 CJPC report indicated inmates that earned GED degrees through the Windham School District reported a 25% recidivism rate while non-participating inmates reported a 37% recidivism rate (Fabelo, 1996, January). _______________ This dissertation follows the style and format of the American Educational Research Journal. 2 Inmates with higher education levels alsogenerally had lower recidivism rates. Texas sources concurred that offenders convicted for crimes of property and drug possession record the highest recidivism rates (Bryan, 1996, May). This and other significant factors remain constant when describing the "high risk" and "successful" profiles. Age of the inmate, type of incarceration offense, post-release employment, and wages earned, impact recidivism (Eisenberg and Martinez, 2000, August). The validity and reliability of these findings were confirmed by a decade of TDCJ, CJPC, and Texas State, Federal, and, independent reports. Statement of the Proble An abundance of literature exists documenting the rise in recidivism rates in the 1990s, the high-risk variables associated with high recidivism rates, as well as documentation of factors (such as educational achievement) that served to abate recidivism rates. These quantitative accounts presented a powerful argument to do something; but it was less clear exactly what should be done with this information. There were gaps in the literature because accounts and opinions of specific participants regarding these conclusions were absent. Consequently, we lacked specific direction. The perspective of the individual, the insider, was missing. A great deal of literature exists regarding the impact made by education on inmates and parolees. Current literature was documented by organizations such as TDCJ and CJPC. Documentation involved statistical reporting primarily of recidivism rates and other criteria. By contrast, the opinions and experiences of individual parolees