NCJ Number
184438
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: July-August 2000 Pages: 261-270
Date Published
July 2000
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Data from 521 persons with prior arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol were used to test the hypothesis that the effect of alcohol problems and the effect of sanctions tend to negate each other in that sanctions reduce the chance of repeat drunk driving offenses, whereas severe alcohol problems increase such chances.
Abstract
The research took place between August and October 1989 in New York. It included participants in county jails, on probation, in alcoholism treatment centers, and in drinking-driver programs. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. Offenders’ alcohol problems were the strongest predictor of future recidivism. Punitive sanctions did not significantly decrease the chance of recidivism when the analysis controlled for alcohol problems. Findings suggested that crucial strategies to reduce recidivism among drunk drivers include carefully screening drinking-driving offenders’ alcohol-related problems and providing effective treatment for offenders in need of such services. In addition, offenders who commit alcohol and drug-related crimes other than drinking and driving should also experience these strategies. Tables and 28 references (Author abstract modified)