Recidivism Rate: An Analysis of the Current State of Affairs
Recidivism rate is an important indicator of the effectiveness of criminal justice systems. It is defined as the rate at which individuals who have been released from incarceration return to criminal activity. Understanding the causes of recidivism and the effectiveness of current efforts to reduce it is essential for improving public safety and reducing the financial burden of incarceration. This article provides a review of the current literature on recidivism rates and interventions that have been shown to reduce recidivism.
There is an abundance of research on recidivism rates in both the United States and internationally. In the United States, recidivism rates vary significantly by state, with some states having recidivism rates as high as 70% (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2020). This trend is also seen internationally, with countries such as Norway and the United Kingdom experiencing similar high-rates of recidivism (Aebi et al., 2020).
The factors that contribute to an individual’s recidivism rate are complex and varied. Research suggests that criminal history, demographics, and lifestyle factors all play a role (Foster et al., 2019). Additionally, research suggests that there are certain interventions that can be effective in reducing recidivism rates. These include drug and alcohol treatment programs, job training, educational programs, and mental health services (Turner & Petersilia, 2020).
In addition to interventions, research suggests that there are certain policy approaches that can be effective in reducing recidivism. For example, research suggests that expanding access to re-entry services, such as housing assistance and job training, can be effective in reducing recidivism (Barrett & Robinson, 2019). Additionally, research suggests that increasing collaboration between criminal justice agencies and community-based organizations can help to reduce recidivism (Foster et al., 2019).
Overall, the current research suggests that recidivism rate is an important indicator of the effectiveness of criminal justice systems. Furthermore, the research suggests that there are certain interventions and policy approaches that can be effective in reducing recidivism rates. However, more research is needed to better understand the causes of recidivism and the effectiveness of interventions and policies in reducing recidivism rates.
References
Aebi, M., Møller, V., & Aebi, M. F. (2020). Recidivism in Norway and the United Kingdom: A comparative study. International Criminal Justice Review, 30(2), 147-157.
Barrett, M. E., & Robinson, J. G. (2019). Reentry: Exploring an effective approach for reducing recidivism. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 30(2), 135-150.
Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2020). Recidivism of prisoners released in 30 states in 2005: Patterns from 2005 to 2010. Retrieved from https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/rprts05p0510.pdf
Foster, A. M., Davidson, M. J., & Strong, C. A. (2019). Examining the roles of criminal history, demographics, and lifestyle in recidivism. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 63(14), 1273-1292.
Turner, S. F., & Petersilia, J. (2020). What works in reducing reoffending? A meta-analytic review of rehabilitative programs for adult offenders. Annual Review of Criminology, 2, 57-81.