ABSTRACT
This chapter describes recidivism rates and the factors associated with them for the several sanction groups. It describes the construction of a prediction instrument to determine whether the several sanctions result in different recidivism rates among groups of individuals who are similar so far as risk of recidivism is concerned. To evaluate effectiveness the recidivism rates must be compared for different sanctions. In American studies of probation and parole a breach of the supervision conditions imposed is often counted as recidivism. The definition of recidivism must therefore be based mainly on what is recorded in the Central Criminal Register. The lowest recidivism rate, irrespective of prior work adjustment, is to be found among those who were employed in the same kind of work before and after their stay in the institution. The relationship between misuse of alcohol and recidivism is thus not as strong as that between unemployment and recidivism.
