ABSTRACT
There have been various studies concerning the recidivism rates after treatment at Grendon. George (1971) following 263 subjects for two years found 59% have committed a crime in that period, but of those who had stayed in the Institution for more than one year the figure was 40%; Newton (1971) following 377 for two years found 58% for those who had stayed less than one year, and 50% for those who had stayed more than one year; Gunn et al (1978) following 61 for two years found 70%; Robertson and Gunn following the same 61 for 10 years found 92%; Cullen (1992) following 214 for two years found those who had stayed less than 18 months 40%, but only 20% for those who had stayed more then 18 months, Genders and Player noted that the population of Grendon had changed. Gunn’s subjects were younger and were on shorter sentences, whereas Cullen’s subjects had more often committed crimes related to violence and sexual victimisation. Recidivism rates were in general lower for those who had stayed longer in treatment.
