Habitual reoffending : a study establishing the rate of recidivism, salient risk factors and vulnerabilities amongst a sample of community based offenders in Malta

Abstract

Finding an exclusive definition for recidivism is difficult as there are multiple definitions. For the purpose of this study, a recidivist is defined as an offender who is being supervised as part of a community-based sanction and who in the past had been convicted of a prior offence. This conviction could either be a previous community based sanction or a sentence of imprisonment. Establishing rates of recidivism and developing an understanding of risk factors that are associated with a greater risk of recidivism would significantly aid the development of policies and strategies aimed at reducing criminal and deviant behaviour. This study sought to explore the rate of recidivism in Malta and the risk factors that might be associated with an increased probability of becoming a recidivist amongst community based offenders. It examined 100 case files out of 450 current active cases of offenders with a probation order within the Department of Probation and Parole by means of a variable checklist. The study used a quantitative approach to determine the rate of recidivism and the association of salient risk factors. The results conclude the rate of recidivism to be 66% amongst community based offenders. Several risk factors were analysed; unemployment, reliance on social assistance, dropping out of school, behavioural difficulties in school, not being in a relationship, criminogenic peers, previous mental health difficulties and negative attitude towards the criminal justice system appear to be statistically associated with repeat offending.