Status of Knowledge in Poland (From Politiques de Prevention de la Delinquance. A l'Aune de la Recherche, P 206-215, 1991, Philippe Robert, ed. See NCJ-137844)

• NCJ Number: 137857
• Author(s): I Rzeplinska
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: Editions L'Harmattan
• Publication Type: Presentation
• Language: French
• Country: France

Annotation

This article focuses on the prevention of recidivism in Poland.

Abstract

In the past 20 years, official approaches to recidivism have been punitive rather than preventive. Prevention was limited to such general measures as building security, vehicle security, crime warnings to the population, and the organization of citizen groups to prevent crime. At the same time, over 90 percent of recidivists were automatically sentenced to prison terms. Recent criminological research has shown that such an approach is not effective because not all recidivists are chronic offenders. Many repeat offenders can become productive members of society if they receive help. Accordingly, the new Polish criminal code made public in January 1991 provides for a more nuanced treatment of recidivists. Those who are not condemned to prison will find help in their reintegration into society. Assistance agencies (many on a local level) provide housing, financial assistance, treatment, and detoxification to ex-offenders.