NCJ Number
102327
Date Published
Unknown
Length
23 pages
Annotation
A study of parolees from State and county correctional institutions in Massachusetts between October 1983 and March 1984 focused both on the extent of recidivism and on the factors distinguishing successful parolees from unsuccessful ones.
Abstract
Data were gathered on the 258 parolees between July and December 1985, using official records. Successful parolees were those whose whereabouts were known and who did not have any further arrests or technical violations of parole resulting in a return to prison of more than 30 days. Thirty-six percent of the parolees recidivated. Those released from State institutions had a slightly higher recidivism rate. Several individual characteristics or pairs of characteristics had strong statistical relationships with either a high or low probability of being returned to prison. A larger number of prior commitments, younger age at first commitment, and higher number of parole or parole revocations were the factors most strongly associated with high recidivism. The majority of parolees who recidivated did so shortly after their release. Results do not necessarily predict outcomes for any individual parolee. Further research should involve larger samples. Appended data tables.