NCJ Number
192867
Journal
Journal of Scandinavian Studies in Criminology and Crime Prevention Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: 2001 Pages: 72-82
Date Published
2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined the influence of community service on recidivism among offenders in Finland.
Abstract
The analysis compared the recidivism of 342 offenders sentenced to community service in 1991 and 1992 with the recidivism of 342 offenders sentenced to prison for a maximum of 8 months. The groups were comparable with respect to sex, age, principal offense, number of times in prison, and the length of sentence. The follow-up period was 5 years. The analysis compared recidivism for three follow-up periods, one from the time of the sentence, one after deducting the time spent in prison prior to committing new offenses, and from the completion of the time serving the sentence. Results revealed that 281 offenders completed their community service and that 12 offenders sentenced to community service never started it. Recidivism was slightly lower after community service than after prison sentences. The analysis concluded that community service seemed to be a suitable sanction, particularly for sentenced offenders lacking previous prison experiences. Tables, figure, and 5 references (Author abstract modified)