This white paper represents chapter one of the forthcoming NIJ release Desistance from Crime: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice.
One focus area that has emerged from research on crime over the course of an individual’s life is what scholars call “desistance from crime.” Desistance is generally understood to mean the reduction in criminal behavior that occurs after a person reaches adulthood. But exactly what desistance is remains unclear, as varying definitions and measurement strategies have evolved over time. Because inconsistent definitions will lead to varying measurement strategies, it is difficult to come to conclusions about desistance. This white paper looks at historical research on desistance and discusses various conceptual definitions of desistance. It then reviews how researchers have measured and modeled desistance and discusses the implications of these strategies. Finally, the paper provides an overview of unresolved issues and offers a set of recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars.
Downloads
Similar Publications
- Evaluation Report of Survivor Advocates in Healthcare Program
- Macro-Level Influences on Police Decision-Making and Engagement with Victims of Serious Violent Crime: A Narrative Case Study of Two States
- Evaluating and Assessing Terrorism Prevention Programs: What Research Sponsored by the National Institute of Justice Tells Us