Examination of the Effect of Imprisonment on Recidivism

• NCJ Number: 238207
• Journal: Criminal Justice Studies Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2011 Pages: 369-379
• Author(s): Tina L. Freiburger; Brian M. Iannacchione
• Date Published: December 2011
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined sentencing decisions and recidivism among property and drug offenders.

Abstract

The current study examines the effect of incarceration and other variables significantly relevant to sentencing decisions on the likelihood of recidivism for drug and property offenders. The results indicate that incarceration does not deter offenders. Examination of the other independent variables indicates that age and marital status significantly reduces odds of recidivism. When examining levels of severity of recidivism, drug offenders, females, and older offenders are less likely to engage in more serious acts of recidivism. Split models reveal that probation/parole status differently affected likelihood of recidivism and being a drug offender differently affected severity of recidivism. (Published Abstract)