Effect of Community Reintegration on Rates of Recidivism - A Statistical Overview of Data for the Years 1971 Through 1983

• NCJ Number: 102194
• Author(s): D P LeClair
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 33 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Massachusetts recidivism studies for 1971-1983 provide tentative evidence for the positive impact of reintegrative community-based correctional programming.

Abstract

In this study, a recidivist was defined as any subject returned to a State or Federal correctional institution, to a county house of correction, or to a jail for 30 days during the followup period (1 year). Two release cohorts (1973 and 1976) were followed for 1 to 5 years. Data were collected on current offense commitment, personal background characteristics, criminal history, and recidivism. There was a systematic reduction in recidivism rates for 1971 through 1978, from 25 percent to 15 percent. The years 1979 and 1980 experienced a statistically significant increase in recidivism rates, and 1981-1983 data show a modest but consistent drop in recidivism rates. Releasees furloughed prior to release had significantly lower recidivism rates than those not furloughed. When selection factors were controlled, the relationships remained constant. Participation in prerelease programs prior to community release also contributed to reduced recidivism rates, and persons released from medium or minimum security institutions had significantly lower recidivism rates than persons released directly from maximum security institutions. 14 tables and 29-item bibliography.