NCJ Number
162335
Date Published
1996
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the record in measuring recidivism in Texas.
Abstract
The report presents system-wide recidivism rates in the adult and juvenile corrections systems and analyzes the records of different correctional programs in reducing recidivism. The report discusses how recidivism is measured, the difficulties in measuring it as a performance indicator for correctional programs, and what all this means in terms of structuring correctional programs to be accountable for reducing recidivism. System-wide recidivism rates for offenders released from prison increased between 1984, when the reincarceration rate was 35 percent, and 1991, when the rate was 48 percent. This increase is mainly a reflection of the type of offenders released (a higher proportion of property and drug offenders, who have higher recidivism rates than violent offenders) and is not a reflection of the effectiveness of particular correctional programs. The report measures the effectiveness of a number of programs intended to reduce recidivism, including: (1) In-Prison Therapeutic Community Drug Treatment; (2) Reintegration of Offenders employment program for parolees; (3) Treatment Alternatives to Incarceration; (4) Mentally Impaired Offenders; and (5) Intensive Supervision Parole.