RTA EVALUATION

The following are the results of the RTA evaluation undertaken in 1999.

Description of TOPs

  • Traffic offenders
  • Prior to sentencing
  • A matter of Magistrate’s judgement
  • Educational course
  • Nine programs operating
  • Seven weekly sessions
  • Visiting presenters
  • Written assessments
  • Magistrate can question

Effect of TOPs on Re-Offending

  • Compare TOPs participants with other offenders
  • Use offence database
  • 1993 to 1995 offenders
  • 1,532 TOPs participants
  • Mt. Penang
  • Blacktown
  • 9,569 others

Effects of Other Factors

  • Age
  • Sex
  • Offence category
  • Length of disqualification
  • Socioeconomic disadvantage
  • Prior offence
  • Metropolitan or country residence
  • Subsequent years after offence

TOPs were Effective

  • Regression model with all the other factors
  • TOPs participants still had a statistically significant effect after allowing for other factors
  • TOPs reduced probability of re-offending by 25%