NCJ Number
209369
Journal
Criminology & Public Policy Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2005 Pages: 57-82
Date Published
February 2005
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This study compared recidivism rates for those released from public and private prisons in Florida between 1995 and 2001.
Abstract
Data for the study were obtained from the Florida Department of Corrections' (FDOC's) Offender Based Information System, which contains detailed information on offender characteristics, sentencing, and correctional experiences for all felony offenders sentenced to State prison or State supervision since 1980. To measure recidivism and account for the effects of factors known to influence recidivism rates, the study relied on a comprehensive data file developed previously by the FDOC's Bureau of Research and Data Analysis. The recidivism measures used a follow-up period of 60 months postrelease. Reoffense and reimprisonment rates in this data are consistent with these rates reported in large sample studies for State prison inmates from multiple jurisdictions over time. The study used 11 aspects of inmates' histories to establish equivalency between public and private prison comparison groups. The study used a post hoc, quasi-experimental design to compare recidivism rates for inmates exposed to private prisons with comparable inmates without such exposure. The study found no significant differences in recidivism rates between private and public prison inmates for adult males, adult females, or young males. This finding undermines the policy argument that private prisons reduce recidivism more effectively than public prisons. Suggestions are offered for the topics and methodology of future research in this area. 7 tables and 23 references