NCJ Number
82088
Date Published
1978
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This study analyzes recidivism rates for the 925 individuals released from Massachusetts correctional institutions in 1976, including Walpole and Concord (maximum-security institutions), Norfolk (medium-security), forestry camps and Framingham (minimum-security), and prerelease centers.
Abstract
A recidivist is any subject returned to a Federal or State correctional institution or to a county jail or house of correction for 30 days or more as a result of either a parole violation or a new court sentence. The followup period was 1 year from the date of the subject's release to the community. Five categories of variables were collected: commitment variables, personal background variables, criminal history variables, furlough variables, and recidivism variables. Data were derived mainly from the computerized data base developed by the Correction and Parole Management Information System. Of the 925 individuals released, 774 (84 percent) were not returned to a correctional institution within 1 year of their release, while 151 (16 percent) were reincarcerated within the followup period. Thus, the overall recidivism rate was 16 percent. This rate was a reduction in past rates (in 1975, it was 20 percent). The reduction is attributed to three factors: participation in the Home Furlough Program, release from a prerelease center, and the combined effect of the two. The study results substantiate prior evidence that individuals who had participated in the furlough program prior to release had lower recidivism rates, as did individuals released from a prerelease center. Thus, these graduated release programs emerged as the most significant factor contributing to reduced recidivism rates. Tables, notes, and a list of variables are given. (Author abstract modified)