NCJ Number
197710
Date Published
2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This report presents data on the progress made against Home Office Public Service Agreement Target 10 from 1997 to 1999, to reduce the rate of reconvictions for offenders punished by imprisonment or by community service.
Abstract
Target 10 of the Home Office Public Service Agreement specifies a reduction in the rate of reconvictions of all offenders punished by imprisonment or by community supervision by 5 percent by 2004 compared to the predicted rate. This National Statistics Release shows the progress made against Target 10. A table is presented showing the actual and predicted reconviction rates for 1997, 1998, and 1999. In addition, a technical note describes the methodology utilized in calculating the reconviction rates. Highlighted results include: (1) a 2-year reconviction rate for persons discharged from prison was 1.9 percent lower than predicted in the first quarter of 1999; (2) the rate for those commencing all community penalties was 1.4 percent lower that the predicted rates; and (3) the combined prison/probation figure was 1.6 percent lower than the predicted rates. Factors contributing to the improved performance included: (1) the impact of community penalty specified activities; (2) Prison Service interventions, specifically offending behavior programs; (3) improved National Standards and tougher enforcement procedures for those under probation supervision; (4) improved sentence planning while in prison and better post-release supervision; and (5) a renewed focus on “What Works” with offenders.