NCJ Number
143185
Date Published
1992
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Data from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice indicate that the number of probation and parole revocations to prison increased by 43 percent between 1988 and 1991 and that nearly half of all probation revocations to prison and over 80 percent of parole revocations to prison involve recidivists.
Abstract
The recycling of offenders fuels prison population growth; 4 of 10 offenders released from prison will be reincarcerated after 3 years. The reincarceration recidivism rate after 3 years for offenders released from Texas prisons is about 43 percent, while the reincarceration recidivism rate after 3 years for offenders placed on intensive supervision probation is almost as high as for parolees (42.8 percent). Older offenders, offenders with a high school education, and offenders with steady employment have lower recidivism rates. Offenders with a juvenile criminal history and those with untreated substance abuse problems have higher recidivism rates. Offense type is also associated with recidivism; property offenders recycle at a higher rate. The recidivism rate has increased in Texas since 1984, primarily due to changes in the composition of parole releases, early releases due to prison overcrowding, and possible reduction in deterrence due to overcrowding. In addition, social issues may affect recidivism, such as lack of educational and economic opportunities and the drug epidemic. About 47 percent of offenders admitted to Texas prisons report current drug use. In general, offenders who are arrested while on parole or probation commit crimes similar to their original offenses. Increasing probationer or parolee surveillance through intensive supervision programs does not reduce recidivism, but programs aimed at improving the personal or socioeconomic condition of offenders under supervision can have a long-term positive effect on crime reduction. Challenges to implementing programs that will reduce recidivism are noted. 5 references and 9 figures