THE CHALLENGES IN REDUCING CRIMINAL RECIDIVISM
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##
Abstract
Recidivism is a broad term that refers to relapse of criminal behaviour, which can include a range of outcomes, including re-arrest, reconviction, and reimprisonment. Prisoners represent a high-risk group compared to other offenders with huge associated costs and a large contribution to
overall societal criminality and violence. A number of studies have tried to identify factors that influence repeat offending rates within and between countries but these studies are hampered by problems with sample selection, definitions of what constitutes recidivism, and the length of follow-up. Programmes
and policies that emphasise rehabilitation and treatment are likely to be successful in reducing offender recidivism. Programmes based exclusively on coercion and punishments (without a treatment component) are unlikely to result in positive outcomes in terms of reduced offending. The social cohesion that is so vital to therapeutic programming is often undermined within a control-oriented prison model. Hence it is of utmost importance for prisoners to participate in and complete academic, substance abuse, and vocational programmes. More randomised trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of
the programmes. Only evidencebased programmes should be implemented.
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.details##
Authorship Responsibility and Authors' Statements
The authors must submit the Author's Guarantee Form, declaring that the article submitted to Public Security and Public Order is an original work and has neither been published nor is under consideration for publication elsewhere. More so, the work has been carried out by the authors and the article does not contravene any existing copyright or any other third party rights. The AUTHOR'S GUARANTEE FORM could be found HERE
Authors contributing to Public Security and Public Order agree to publish their articles allowing third parties to share their work (copy, distribute, transmit) and to adapt it with a condition of proper referencing; the authors contributing agree to transfer all copyright ownership of the manuscript to the Public Security and Public Order.
