repeat offending

recidivism rates

2019, over ½ million new offences were committed by past offenders, recidivism rate of 28%. average number of reoffences per offender has been increased, reoffenders commit a further 4 offences. focusing on offenders released from prison, the reoffending rate is 34$ and 64% for those with a sentence under 12 months.

the rising prison population

doubled since 1993 because of recidivism, those on licence are called back to prison if they reoffend. longer sentences cause more people to be in prison, average since for indictable offence was 26 months longer in 2018 than in 2008. minimum sentence for murder went from 12.5 years in 2003, to 23.6 in 2016.

theory

right realists believe prison works because offenders are rational actors who will be deterred from offending because of the fear of prison, however, high recidivism rates show this is not the case. Marxists argue it is not surprising that unemployed offenders are likely to reoffend, because they are unable to survive and meet their needs on just benefits.

who reoffends

more previous convictions, more likely to reoffend, 2018, ½ of offenders with 10+ convictions reoffended. prison sentences more likely to reoffend than fines, warning, or community sentence. men more likely to reoffend. drug/alcohol addictions, homelessness, few qualifications, or unemployment are more likely to reoffend. Dark figure of reoffending - we only know about proven reoffending, other recidivists have reoffended and not been caught.