NCJ Number
96670
Date Published
1984
Length
52 pages
Annotation
A sample of 9l percent of the 3,257 persons released from confinement in Delaware institutions between January l, l980, and December 3l, l982, and tracked from date of release until date of first rearrest, or September 30, l983, (whichever came earlier) is analyzed.
Abstract
The data show that more than half (5l.4 percent) were rearrested by September 30, l983, and almost 75 percent of the rearrests occurred within the first year after release. Additionally, findings indicate that violent criminals tend to get arrested more often than do nonviolent offenders; however, the differences are not statistically significant. Further, the less serious the crime for which the individual was originally incarcerated, the greater the likelihood is that the crime for which he is rearrested will be equally, or more, serious. Data reveal further that there is no statistically significant difference in the rearrest rate of persons released for 'good time,' 'meritorious conduct plus good time,' court order, or parole. Also, the longer the average time served, the more likely it is that the rearrest will be for a more serious crime. Findings also indicate that persons incarcerated and subsequently released after conviction for nonaggravated assaulted are rearrested at the same rate and for crimes of equal seriousness as are those who served time for aggravated assault. Finally, results demonstrate that blacks are rearrested at slightly higher rates than whites, males are rearrested at higher rate than females, and recidivism decreases with age. Four tables and an appendix are included.