Employment (Characteristics) and Recidivism Risks After Release

• In Event: A Fresh Look at the Role of Turning Points on Desistence

Abstract

This study considers whether the type of employment that ex-prisoners find can protect them from crime. Ex-prisoners’ recidivism rates are high and employment is believed to function as a “turning point” for offenders. Previous work indicates that ex-prisoners are employed in low quality and temporary jobs. In contrast, theories emphasize the role of quality and stability for the protective effect of employment. Longitudinal research on the work-crime relationship is scarce for high-risk offender groups such as ex-prisoners. Hence, longitudinal prisoner research is foremost based on administrative datasets which include little information on employment characteristics. As such, it remains uncertain whether post-release employment can reduce recidivism risks, and whether particular characteristics of this employment correlate more strongly with reduced recidivism risks. Using a subsample of data from the longitudinal study the Prison Project (N=842), this study addresses a gap in the empirical base concerning the role of employment and employment characteristics in recidivism risks after release. The results indicate that not the guidance to a job, or a high-quality job, but the guidance to stable employment could help to reduce crime rates among this high-risk offender group.

Authors

• Anke Ramakers, Leiden University

• Paul Nieuwbeerta, Leiden University

• Johan Van Wilsem, Leiden University

• Anja Dirkzwager, NSCR

• Joni Reef, Leiden University