The study merged locally collected data on social problems related to people's offending with data from the National Offender Index, thus including cases about which the probation service's database would not have held information. The Kent sample was typical of offenders who began probation in 1991 compared with the national figures. The study found that 48 percent of probationers reoffended within 5 years of their order, beginning in 1991. Probation reconvictions compared favorably with a prison reoffending rate of approximately 62 percent. Men reoffended more than women and younger offender more than older ones. Reoffending was highest among 4B orders, in which offenders were involved in a 60-day intensive program at a day center. The reoffending rate of 63 percent was comparable to the 5-year prison reconviction rate. Reoffending was lowest among 4A orders, in which offenders attended specific groups targeted at a particular offense or problem area; 41 percent of offenders given such orders reoffended within 5 years. Time spent on probation and early termination for excellent progress were highly predictive of reduced recidivism for men. For women, time spent on probation alone was associated with such a reduction. Offense repetition by men was associated with prison, unemployment, drugs, and debt. For women, previous custody alone was highly predictive of offense repetition. 34 tables, 8 figures, and 26 references