NCJ Number
176731
Journal
American Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: Fall 1998 Pages: 1-17
Date Published
1998
Length
17 pages
Annotation
To examine specialization in violent crime, this research used data collected in Ohio in 1989 on a cohort of 3,353 parolees released from prison.
Abstract
"Specialization" was defined as "the exclusive admission to prison for a violent crime with a subsequent violent recidivism offense." The study focused on three questions: (1), Within a cohort of parolees, how many subjects were originally sent to prison for a violent offense and subsequently recidivate for committing another violent offense? (2), Are violent offenders more likely than nonviolent offenders to return to prison for violent behavior? and (3), What are the best set of predictors of repeat violent offending, and do they predict better than chance alone? Three strategies were used to examine these questions. The social and demographic characteristics of all inmates released from prison in Ohio in 1989 were determined. Then, using a 3-year follow-up period, comparisons were made between violent and nonviolent offenders for recidivism offenses, followed by an identification of the factors that predict violent reoffending. Study findings suggest that there is specialization among some violent criminal offenders. It is a rare occurrence, but highly significant. When those committed to prison for a violent crime recidivate, it is more likely they recidivate (43.7 percent) for a new violent offense than for property, sex, drug, or other offenses; however, most persons sent to prison for a violent crime return to prison at a lower rate (20.6 percent) than nonviolent offenders (25.7 percent) for a new crime. The data show that there are several predictors of violent commitments, violent recidivism, and violent reoffending. Race, county of commitment, time served, age at release from prison, number of prior felony convictions, and number of prior parole revocations were significantly related to repeat violent offending. Blacks from urban areas who were released from prison by age 30 and had prior felony convictions and parole revocations were more likely to be violent repeat offenders than those older than 30 and those who had no prior felony convictions or parole revocations. The policy implications of these findings are discussed. 3 tables and 31 references