Methamphetamine Use, Self-Reported Violent Crime, and Recidivism Among Offenders in California Who Abuse Substances

• NCJ Number: 233211
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2006 Pages: 435-445
• Author(s): Jerome Cartier; David Farabee; Michael L. Prendergast
• Date Published: April 2006
• Length: 11 pages
• Contract Number(s): 97.243
• Sponsoring Agency: California Dept of Corrections
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the relationship between methamphetamine (MA) use, violence, and recidivism among a sample of parolees in California who abuse substances.

Abstract

This study uses data from 641 State prison parolees in California to examine the associations between methamphetamine use and three measures of criminal behavior: (a) self-reported violent criminal behavior, (b) return to prison for a violent offense, and (c) return to prison for any reason during the first 12 months of parole. Methamphetamine use was significantly predictive of self-reported violent criminal behavior and general recidivism (i.e., a return to custody for any reason). However, methamphetamine use was not significantly predictive of being returned to custody for a violent offense. These trends remained even after controlling for involvement in the drug trade (i.e., sales, distribution, or manufacturing). (Published Abstract) Tables, note and references