The Influence of Neighborhood Risk Factors on Parolee Recidivism

• In Event: Examination of Recidivism: New Approaches to an Old Problem

Abstract

Recidivism research has generally examined the influence of individual level traits for their predictive value in explaining reoffending behaviors, neglecting the role of the neighborhood for its influence on offender reintegration. Using a sample of 4,851 parolees returning to the City of Philadelphia, the current study examines the role of the neighborhood context and non-residential land uses (both risk and protective factors) on re-incarceration and time to re-incarceration. Specifically, this study measures neighborhood characteristics and non-residential land uses including beer bars and liquor outlets, drug sales arrests, houses of worship and drug treatment centers within walking distance of a parolee’s residence. Findings of our study reinforce existing literature on the importance of individual level attributes in explaining recidivism. In addition, our study further suggests the importance of non-residential land uses on explaining re-incarceration and reduced time in the community setting. Implications of our findings are discussed.

Author

• Kimberly Houser, Rowan University