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Specific Deterrent Effects of Sentences for Robbery: Does Type of Punishment Influence Recidivism?

NCJ Number
108617
Author(s)
D R Smith; W R Smith; E Zupko
Date Published
1986
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This study compares the ability of 12 recidivism measures to detect the deterrent effects of probation, county jail, a young adult correctional center, and State prison on a sample of persons sentenced for robbery.
Abstract
The sample consisted of 870 persons sentenced for robbery in a New Jersey State Court between 1976 and 1977. The study developed a base sentencing data file containing data on characteristics of the offense, offender, victim, and prior criminal involvement; number of charges; counts; dispositions; and sentences. This file was supplemented with data on official criminal activity before and after the sentence studied in the base data file. Computerized records of incarcerations were consulted to compute time at risk for offenders in custody at a State facility. Subject to several major qualifications, the study determined that independent of the indicator of recidivism, time sentenced has no main effect on recidivism, but type of sentence has consistent effects. For rearrest-based measures of recidivism, a 'time-by-where' interaction emerges to support the deterrent effects of a State prison sentence. 6 tables and 24 references. (Author abstract modified)