Some Problems in the Execution of Protective Supervision for Recidivists (From Troisieme seminaire regional du CICC en Europe centrale, 1976, V 1 - Les mesures post-penales, P 147-154, Alice Parizeau, ed. - See NCJ-70486)

• NCJ Number: 70493
• Author(s): S Strycharz
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: French
• Country: Canada

Annotation

The positive effects of family and work environment as well as the negative effects of criminal associates on Polish recidivists under protective supervision are assessed.

Abstract

Study data derive from records of 300 recidivists under protective supervision and from a survey of the recidivists, their families, and their place of employment. Findings show that most recidivists under supervision are married (70 percent) or have a stable living arrangement with a woman (10 percent). Although 80 percent of the survey group mention no serious conflicts prior to the most recent prison sentence, more than half report marital disturbances after their release. Causes are interruption of family life because of prison, cohabitation of the wife with another man, and lack of family interest in the recidivist's situation during and after imprisonment. The negative attitude of families may be strongly influenced by recidivists' lack of professional stability and by his alcohol abuse or aggressive attitudes. Frequently excessive drinking and brutal behavior were not problems before incarceration. Seventy percent of the subjects had steady jobs before their last prison stay and 60 percent had professional training. During protective supervision, 60 percent are employed (90 percent of those employed prior to incarceration). Reasons given for not working are lack of training, difficulty in finding suitable work, poor health, loss of interest in professional activity, and lack of assistance from the supervising individual. Recidivists seem to expect concrete aid from the supervisor and complain of admonitions to find work and the supervisor's control efforts. Of the employed releasees, only 25 percent do not change jobs during protective supervision. Reasons given by exconvicts for leaving jobs are the lack of respect and distrust towards them at the work place, work not in keeping with their tastes or abilities, low salaries, and suspicion cast upon recidivists for any thefts or other infractions at the place of work. Information from employers substantiates the truth of these complaints but also notes the recidivists' distrustful attitudes, aggressive behavior, and alcohol abuse at work. Employers express the opinion that 'criminals' cannot be treated or paid like 'honest men.' Thus, within a few months, about 40 percent of the subjects seek out their former criminally involved acquaintances. This fact does not speak well for the work of the supervisor or the effectiveness of family and work in counteracting criminal influences.