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Risk and Recidivism Among Massachusetts Parolees: An Update, December 1987

NCJ Number
111133
Author(s)
R Lunden
Date Published
1987
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This study examined recidivism rates and associated risk factors in data for 410 State and 517 county inmates released to parole supervision in Massachusetts in 1985 and followed up for 16 to 20 months.
Abstract
The overall recidivism rate was 36 percent, with State parolees showing a slightly higher (37 percent) rate than county parolees (35 percent). For both groups, recidivism was significantly related to number of prior paroles, number of prior revocations, and age at first adult commitment. Among State parolees, recidivism rates were higher for those who were reparoled, had a prior commitment, had a prior escape, had three or more disciplinary reports, and were identified as having a history of narcotics or cocaine abuse. For county parolees, additional factors associated with recidivism included under age 21 at time of release, past use of an alias, and less high school education. Study results provide parole board members with an objective assessment of background characteristics associated with recidivism that may be useful in programming and decisionmaking. Additional statistical data, 17 tables, and 4 references.