NCJ Number
70497
Date Published
1977
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The effects of recidivism on Polish penal policy and measures taken to prevent recidivism are outlined.
Abstract
The 1969 Polish penal code differentiates general recidivism (i.e., new commission of a crime after a previous crime confirmed by conviction), fundamental special recidivism (i.e., commission of a crime after conviction for a previous offense and imprisonment), and recurrent special recidivism (i.e., commission of several crimes punished through imprisonment with a lapse of several years in between). Statistics for the years 1963 to 1964 indicate that the general number of convictions drops in absolute terms, but that the percentage of offenses committed by recidivists, especially by recurrent special recidivists, is increasing. In terms of penal policy, general recidivism is likely to lead to more stringent penalties. Fundamental special recidivism is grounds for expanding the minimal and maximal limits of sentences prescribed by law. For recurrent recidivists, parole is only permitted in exceptional cases, after the recidivist has served two-thirds of the penalty. Recidivists committing an offense in the state of special recidivism are still eligible for probation. New regulations require that detailed data be collected on convicted offenders to facilitate appropriate choice of sentences and penal measures. Recidivists serve their sentences in special prisons for recidivists where the conditions are very strict, pay is reduced, correspondence is limited, and packages and visits are restricted. As disciplinary action, recidivists must perform difficult work, and are carefully supervised. If they refuse to work, recidivists can be placed on reduced rations. The most important postpenal rehabilitation measures for recidivists introduced in the 1969 penal code are protective supervision and placement in a social readaptation center. Protective supervision is ordered by the court when the court believes that even a fully served prison term will not prevent the recidivist from committing another offense. Placement in a center for social readaptation is designed to provide supplementary resocialization while protecting society from further offenses by recidivists who have failed to cooperate with protective supervision. Several notes and tables are supplied.