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Reconvictions of Offenders Sentenced or Discharged From Prison in 1995, England and Wales

NCJ Number
180619
Author(s)
Chris Kershaw; Joanne Goodman; Steve White
Date Published
October 1999
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This report presents estimates of reconviction rates for all indictable offenses and some of the more serious summary offenses within 2 years for prisoners released from prison and offenders beginning community sentences during 1995 and the first quarter of 1996 in England and Wales.
Abstract
The report also provides information on reconvictions by the end of 1996 of all mentally ill offenders conditionally discharged from hospitals since 1972 and of all prisoners released on life license since 1972. Fifty-eight percent of all sentenced prisoners discharged from prison and 56 percent of offenders beginning community penalties in 1995 were reconvicted of a standard-list offense within 2 years. Reconviction rates for custody and community sentences did not differ discernibly after all possible relevant factors were considered. Results of similar comparisons showed little real difference in reconviction rates for earlier years as well. Forty-four percent of offenders given a conditional discharge and 43 percent of offenders fined for a standard-list offense in 1995 were reconvicted for another such offense within 2 years. A comparison with community penalty reconviction rates indicated that offender characteristics partly accounted for the lower rates for fines and discharges. Tables, figures, notes, attached organization mission statement, and 2 references