NCJ Number
233757
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 28 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2011 Pages: 146-173
Date Published
February 2011
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the factors that affect an offender's risk of recidivism.
Abstract
This research explores the correlates of desistance and recidivism among a modern cohort of men released from prison. Using 8 years of follow-up data, the authors estimate a series of multivariate models to differentiate offenders who recidivate in the short term from men who failed after an extended period or who do not return to criminal behavior at all. Consistent with research of this type, the odds of recidivism increased sharply after release and leveled off over time. In addition, younger men with more extensive criminal histories were the least likely to desist and failed early in the release period. The results also reveal heterogeneity in patterns of recidivism over the short and long term, and highlight the importance of post-release context in understanding prisoner reentry. Figure, tables, and references (Published Abstract)