The Prison Project: A Longitudinal Panel Study on the Effects of Imprisonment in the Netherlands

• In Event: Contributions of Longitudinal Studies on Understanding the Process of Desistance: Lessons from 4 Studies

Abstract

Despite its manifest importance in crime prevention, there is surprisingly little knowledge regarding the effects of imprisonment on the further lives of offenders. One of the reasons for this limited knowledge is a lack of adequate studies because data requirements for a proper (longitudinal) research design are costly and daunting. In an attempt to fill this gap in knowledge we developed the Prison Project, a unique panel study following 1.908 Dutch inmates and their families. These respondents are followed for thee years and interviewed at several moments during imprisonment (1, 3, 9 and 18 months after arrival in custody) as well as 6 and 24 months after release from prison. Elaborate information is gathered on multiple life domains (e.g. criminal behavior, employment, social networks, health, and the well being of family members). In addition, registration data on these persons are collected from various official agencies. This presentation will discuss the design of the study. To illustrate the value of longitudinal panel data some results will also be presented. For instance, on the longitudinal course of prisoners’ mental health problems during imprisonment, the longitudinal relationship between procedural justice in prison and prisoners’ misconduct, and the effects of imprisonment on ex-prisoners’ labor prospects.

Authors

• Anja Dirkzwager, NSCR

• Paul Nieuwbeerta, Leiden University