Is swift, certain, and fair probation really swift, certain and fair?

There is a lot of talk in the corrections community about Swift, Certain and Fair (SCF) probation, often (though erroneously) known as HOPE probation. Does it work? Does it help? Does it hurt? What’s swift? How certain? And what exactly is “fair”? To be right up front and honest, research studies are somewhat conflicting about how effective SCF is. Some find it’s the miracle cure for recidivism. Other studies don’t agree. DeKalb County Court Services is on the road to finding out just what happens when people are placed on its version of Swift, Certain and Fair probation.