Effects of length of pre-trial detention and imprisonment on recidivism

• In Event: Imprisonment and Reoffending

Abstract

Criminological theories are undecided on whether longer prison senctences reduces or increases (re)offending. So, the proof of the pudding is in the empirical testing. However, although many empirical studies on the effects of imprisonment have been done, methodologically rigorous studies are the exception. In particular, most of these studies neglect the effect of (the length of) pre-trial detention. This paper builds on the prior theoretical and empirical literature and examines the effect of both the length of pre-trial detention and the length of subsequent imprisonment on recidivism in the Netherlands. The present study uses data from a large scale longitudinal nationwide study on the intended and unintended effects of imprisonment in the Netherlands, i.e. the Prison Project. Adult male inmates aged 18-65 who entered a Dutch detention facility between October 2010 and March 2011 (N = 1,909) were interviewed multiple times during their detention period, as well as 6 and 24 months after release from prison. In this paper recidivism patterns over 6 and 24 month follow-up periods are examined using registered and self-reported data on criminal behaviour and convictions. Propensity score methods are used to control for possible selection effects. Findings indicate that length of imprisonment has no clear relationship with future registered and self-reported recidivism - regardless the various measures and types of recidivism. Limitations and directions for future research are noted.

Authors

• Paul Nieuwbeerta, Leiden University

• Hilde Wermink, Leiden University

• Anja Dirkzwager, NSCR