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Moving Beyond Carrot vs. Stick: The Impact of Incentives on Supervision Outcomes
SESSION INFO
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Session Type: Workshop
"In 2022, with financial support from Arnold Ventures, researchers at the University of Wyoming launched a multi-year collaboration with the Denver Adult Probation Department (DAPD) to better understand how incentives can promote positive supervision outcomes. This presentation offers the first comprehensive look at findings from this innovative partnership. Specific research questions move beyond whether or not incentives are effective, to include: • How does the effectiveness of incentives vary across client characteristics such as age, risk level, and gender? • Do outcomes differ based on the type of incentive used (e.g., verbal praise, gift cards, reduced supervision requirements)? • To what extent does the officer–supervisee relationship shape the impact of incentives? • What practical challenges do officers face when implementing incentive-based approaches? Beyond presenting results, this session highlights actionable insights for policy and practice. We conclude by discussing how DAPD is using these findings to refine officer training and reshape supervision strategies."
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SESSION PRESENTERS
Steven Rael
Deputy Chief Probation Officer, Denver Adult Probation
Steve Rael has dedicated 34 years to public service, United States Marine Corp combat veteran, BA, Criminology, 30 years’ experience as a probation officer. Steve has served the Denver community as a supervising probation officer, supervisor, and probation manager. Steve currently serves as the Denver Adult Probation Deputy Chief Probation Officer. Steve proudly leads the department’s mission of “Creating long-term prosocial behavioral change in probation clients.” Steve advocates for the strategic use of incentives, sanctions, and both proximal and distal goals to empower clients in achieving successful outcomes. Steve is part of a leadership team that has implemented the department’s successful Behavior Modification Program. Steve heads the department’s training team, providing behavior modification and crucial conversations training to equip staff with the skills needed to support the mission.
Kimberly Schweitzer, PhD
Associate Professor,
Dr. Kimberly Schweitzer is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of North Dakota. Her primary area of research is broadly focused on decision-making in the U.S. legal system, including juror/jury decision-making in criminal and civil contexts, the role of emotions at trial, and factors that influence probation outcomes.
Dr. Eric Wodahl
Associate Dean and Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Wyoming
Dr. Eric Wodahl is a Professor of Criminal Justice and Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Wyoming. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Wodahl worked for approximately 10 years in the corrections system, primarily as an adult probation and parole officer. Dr. Wodahl’s research focuses on community supervision, with particular attention given to the role of sanctions and incentives in promoting successful supervision outcomes.
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