Recidivism in Australia: Findings and Future Research

• NCJ Number: 220390
• Author(s): Jason Payne
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 155 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Research and Public Policy Series No. 80

Annotation

This report summarizes studies published in the Australian literature that have focused on recidivism over the past 10 years, deals with important questions relating to Australian recidivism research, provides a conceptual framework through which recidivism can be defined and interpreted, and arms researchers and policymakers with a battery of tools useful in critical assessment of the research literature.

Abstract

Future directions identified as priorities in Australian recidivism research include: (1) developing a national research agenda and nation indicators of recidivism; (2) improving capacity to measure recidivism; and (3) increasing the value of recidivism research for policy development by standardizing methodological reporting. Emerging areas of research that will likely generate unique findings for public policy and crime prevention include: (1) developing recidivism prediction models; (2) additional exploratory analysis of recidivism in neglected and emerging areas of crime; and (3) further investment in evaluating the number and variety of operational crime prevention and reduction programs in Australia. At a time when evidence based policy development has become increasingly important in the criminal justice policy arenas, recidivism research provides promise for crime control strategies targeted at reducing reoffending. Identifying recidivists, understanding the correlates of high volume offending, and evaluating programs designed to reduce offending remain three key research and policy priorities in Australia. However, despite the importance of recidivism, there remains a large divide between research and policy. This report deals with important questions relating to recidivism research, provides a conceptual framework through which recidivism can be defined and interpreted, and arms researchers and policymakers with tools useful in the critical assessment of the research literature. It begins by looking at the general definition of recidivism and the problems inherent in its measurement and identification. It concludes with future directions for recidivism research in Australia, the priorities in recidivism research. Tables, figures, references and appendix