NCJ Number
181467
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Since reconviction rates are a key measure of the effectiveness of various sentences and treatment programs in deterring or rehabilitating offenders, this report provides statistics on the reconviction of offenders sentenced or released from prison in 1995 for England and Wales.
Abstract
Specifically, the data address reconviction-rate estimates for standard list offenses within 2 years for inmates discharged and offenders commencing community sentences during 1995. Data are provided for a 7-year follow-up of those released from prison or starting community penalties in 1987. Reconviction rates for other disposals, such as fines and discharges, are based on a sample of offenders sentenced in 1995. Also addressed are other factors that affect the likelihood of reoffending, for example, sex, age, and criminal history. Reconviction rates for restricted patients and life licensees are also presented. Data show that 58 percent of all sentenced prisoners discharged in 1995 were reconvicted of a standard list offense within 2 years, compared with 56 percent of offenders who commenced community penalties in 1995. There was no discernible difference between reconviction rates for custody and community penalties; there is also little difference in reconviction rates over time. Forty-four percent of offenders given a conditional discharge and 43 percent of offenders fined for a standard list offense in 1995 were reconvicted for another such offense within 2 years. These rates are lower than those for community sentences. To some extent these differences can be accounted for by offender characteristics. Among adult male offenders released from prison in 1995, 30 percent were recommitted to custody within 2 years. The rate for young male offenders was 52 percent. 2 tables and 3 figures