The term recidivism falls under the umbrella of Criminology, which “embraces environmental, hereditary or psychology causes of criminal behaviour, modes of investigation and conviction and the efficacy of punishment.” It is considered as a critical aspect of the Criminal Justice System and refers to ‘repeated or habitual criminal behaviour’ (Taylor, 1984). The assumption made here is that, when the crime rate increases, the number of individuals committing crimes increases. In other words the rate of recidivism is increasing.
Recidivism is the act of a person repeating an undesirable behaviour after they have either experienced negative consequences of that behaviour, or have been treated or trained to extinguish that behaviour. It is also known as the percentage of former prisons who are arrested. Dr. Ken Pryce (1982), states that ‘recidivism simple means repetitive criminal or deviate behaviour among low income offenders and usually implies that the treatment or punishment has failed to bring about a permanent change or cure.’
Recidivism rates vary according to individual and contextual/social level risk factors. In this study the authors have identified only three individual level risk factors which include previous history dynamics, psychopathic disorder and educational performance and school discipline. The contextual or social (aggregate) level risk variables comprises of family factors, community factors and peer influence.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theoretical Framework
3. Statement of the Problem
4. Purpose of the Study
5. Review of the Literature
6. INDIVIDUAL LEVEL RISK FACTORS
6.1 Previous history dynamics
6.2 Psychopathic Disorder
6.3 Educational Performance and School Discipline
7. CONTEXTUAL OR SOCIAL AGGREGATE LEVEL RISK FACTORS
7.1 Family Factors
7.2 Peer Influence
7.3 Community Factors
8. Hypothesis
9. The design – Method and Procedures
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this study is to analyze the phenomenon of recidivism within the prison population of Trinidad and Tobago by examining the relationship between specific risk factors and reoffending behavior. The research aims to assess how both individual and social-contextual variables contribute to the likelihood of criminal recidivism, ultimately providing insights for more effective correctional and preventative interventions.
- Analysis of individual risk factors including criminal history and psychopathic traits.
- Evaluation of contextual influences such as family dynamics and peer associations.
- Assessment of the role of educational performance and institutional engagement.
- Investigation into community-level variables that contribute to social disorganization.
- Review of current measurement methodologies for recidivism in the Caribbean context.
Excerpt from the Book
Previous history dynamics
The age at which a person begins committing crimes is said to be predictive of future offending and recidivism. In particular, age at first offense in juvenile is said to be one of the greatest predictors of serious future offending. (Piquero & Chung, 2001, Corapcioglu & Erdogan, 2004). A younger age at first offense may be predictive of greater criminal activity simple because a person has a larger time frame to commit crimes and the more crimes are committed by an individual, the more serious they tend to become over time (Samson and Lauritson 1994).
Researchers have found a relationship between age on release and sexual recidivism. Thornton (2002) found that age on release made a significant contribution to the prediction of sexual recidivism. He found that sexual reconviction declined by 0.02 with each year of age. The recidivism rate for those aged between 18 and 24 was 80%, while the rate for those 25- 59 was 50% and the 60 plus range reported no reconviction for this particular study.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of recidivism within criminology, defining it as habitual criminal behavior and highlighting the alarming increase in recidivism rates among the prison population in Trinidad and Tobago.
Theoretical Framework: This section explores the Classical and Positivistic schools of thought, examining how concepts of free will and environmental determinism explain the causes of criminal behavior and recidivism.
Statement of the Problem: This chapter addresses the gravity of the crime problem and identifies recidivism as a critical causal factor that requires urgent academic and systematic attention.
Purpose of the Study: This chapter outlines the research goal of assessing six specific risk factors to determine their relationship with recidivism using literature reviews and risk assessment instruments.
Review of the Literature: This section provides a comprehensive review of existing academic discourse on measuring recidivism and the complexities involved in defining reoffending criteria.
INDIVIDUAL LEVEL RISK FACTORS: This chapter analyzes how internal variables such as age, prior criminal history, psychopathic disorders, and educational background influence the probability of reoffending.
CONTEXTUAL OR SOCIAL AGGREGATE LEVEL RISK FACTORS: This chapter investigates external influences, including family stability, peer group dynamics, and community characteristics, which affect the likelihood of persistent criminal activity.
Hypothesis: This section lists the six main research hypotheses regarding the relationship between the identified risk factors and the likelihood of recidivism.
The design – Method and Procedures: This chapter describes the methodological approach, including data collection from prisons in Trinidad and Tobago through interviews, questionnaires, and record analysis.
Keywords
Recidivism, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Trinidad and Tobago, Risk Factors, Psychopathy, Delinquency, Social Control, Penal Institutions, Offender Rehabilitation, Behavioral Dynamics, Correctional Education, Peer Influence, Family Stability, Crime Prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper primarily investigates the phenomenon of recidivism, specifically focusing on the causes and risk factors that lead individuals within the prison system of Trinidad and Tobago to reoffend.
Which thematic areas does the study cover?
The study covers a range of themes including individual risk factors (such as prior history and psychopathy), contextual factors (such as family and community environment), and the impact of educational programs on recidivism.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to assess the relationship between six identified risk factors and recidivism to provide evidence-based insights into why individuals return to criminal behavior after release.
What scientific methods are utilized in this work?
The research employs a descriptive methodology involving a literature review of international and local studies, as well as a proposed plan for empirical data collection through questionnaires and interviews at various prison facilities.
What is discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body systematically reviews theoretical frameworks, analyzes the measurement of recidivism, and explores specific individual and social variables that act as predictors for future criminal behavior.
Which keywords characterize this study?
Key terms include recidivism, risk factors, criminology, social control, and correctional education, among others that define the intersection of criminal justice and social science.
How does the paper define the difference between Classical and Positivistic approaches to recidivism?
The Classical school is presented as focusing on free will and deterrence, whereas the Positivistic school emphasizes that behavior is determined by external factors beyond an individual's control.
What specific data did Ramdhanie (2002) provide regarding the local prison population?
The study cites Ramdhanie to highlight that approximately 56% of inmates in Trinidad and Tobago's adult prisons can be classified as recidivists.
How is the concept of psychopathic disorder linked to recidivism in the study?
The research discusses how the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is used to identify personality traits and behavioral features that correlate with serious or repeat offending.
- Citation du texte
- Stacy Ramdhan (Auteur), Lisa Bissessar (Auteur), 2010, Recidivism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/175783
