NCJ Number
85112
Date Published
1982
Length
40 pages
Annotation
The report analyzes the extent and nature of recidivism (re-arrests) for 2,043 individuals granted any one of 5 forms of executive clemency in Pennsylvania from 1968 to 1981.
Abstract
The recidivism rate for individuals granted commutation of minimum sentence had the highest re-arrest rates (approximately 35 percent), while the individuals granted pardons had the lowest re-arrest rates (approximately 7 percent). The re-arrest rate for individuals who had life sentences commuted was approximately 26 percent. Those pardoned individuals who were re-arrested were mainly re-arrested (69 percent) for non-Part I offenses, the most frequent being drunk driving. Most individuals who were re-arrested following commutation of life, commutation of minimum, or commutation of maximum sentences were re-arrested for Part I offenses, with aggravated assault, burglary, and theft the most common of these offenses. About 18 percent of the individuals previously granted clemency, who were re-arrested and had their cases disposed, were sentenced to State prisons; another 15 percent were sentenced to county jails. The balance of individuals were either placed on probation (about 14 percent) or given no penalty (approximately 23.4 percent). The number of prior arrests a person had seemed to be the most relevant factor regarding the difference between a low-risk and high-risk offender. Tables and figures are included. The Board of Pardons' permanent calendar and client files, the Pennsylvania State Police rap sheet, and a glossary are appended. (Author summary modified)