Recidivism In The Criminal Justice System

1634 Words4 Pages

Kassidy Kirven
Professor Vuolo
Criminology
11/12/17
Recidivism
Recidivism is an essential concept within the criminal justice system. It is the tendency of a previously convicted offender to reoffend. Thus, it is important to study the rates and causes of recidivism in order to recognize certain patterns. The patterns of reoffending can help law enforcement officials and policy makers implement strategies to lower the rates. On a humanitarian basis, studying the patterns can help with the difficult transition from prison to society for those recently released.
Prison is a form of deterrence. As stated in our lecture, if punishment is unpleasant, less crime will be committed. Thus, the possibility of going back to prison alone should be a deterrent for a previously convicted criminal. However, that is not the case, or else the recidivism rate would essentially be zero. According to the rational choice theory, certainty, severity, and swiftness greatly influence deterrence. If it is unlikely a person will get caught or the punishments aren’t very severe, it might encourage to them to reoffend. Studies have shown that programs like Scared Straight don’t actually scare potential offenders away at all. Therefore, while this theory may explain recidivism simply, it does not account for the many other …show more content…

Rather than nature of the individual, it focuses on the nature of the neighborhood. Poverty concentration in a specific neighborhood may drive an individual to steal food or necessities. If said individual is released from jail or prison and the neighborhood is in the same conditions, he might be driven to reoffend. Collective efficacy is key in resetting this cycle by increasing informal social controls. Cohesion among the community to intervene on behalf on the common good may help decrease recidivism rates, especially with crimes such theft or

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