Reduce reconviction rates

Search

Search for:

Current Status

The reconviction frequency rate decreased by 1.8 reconvictions per 100 offenders, from 59.7 in the baseline year of 2006-07 to 57.9 in 2008-09.

National Indicator

Reduce reconviction rates

Indicator Measure

1-year reconviction frequency rate

Reduce reconviction rates

Why is this National Indicator important?

Crime affects us all. By reducing criminal reoffending, we reduce the emotional, social and economic impact of crime on our communities - and enable offenders to make a more positive contribution to society. We want to build safer and stronger communities, where offenders are made to take responsibility for their actions and given the opportunity, where appropriate, to make amends for the damage they have caused. Reconviction frequency rates are one of the main ways of measuring how well we are managing offenders in our criminal justice system.

What will influence this National Indicator?

Frequency of reconviction is influenced by a number of factors including: type of offender and the efficiency of the criminal justice system. Research evidence shows that the following can be effective at reducing reoffending:

Community sentences are more effective at reducing reoffending in the long term than short term prison sentences

Stable and quality employment protects against reoffending, especially if accompanied by other forms of support

Drug treatment programmes, have on average, a positive impact on reoffending

Holistic interventions that target offenders' multiple needs and involve work with offenders families and the wider community (e.g. employers) are more likely to be effective at reducing reoffending

Enhancing thinking skills using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy programmes have been proven effective at reducing reoffending

The effectiveness of prison-based interventions is enhanced when aftercare support is provided following release

Respectful, participatory and supportive contact with a supervisor can trigger positive changes in attitudes and behaviour

Interventions for women offenders are more likely to be successful if they target financial needs and establish positive social relationships

There are a range of interventions that could reduce reoffending. Effective interventions can offer good value for money if they can reduce the frequency of repeat offending. Interventions tailored to address the needs of the offender are more likely to have a positive impact on behaviour. The offender also has to be motivated to change, believe they possess the skills to change and be supported through change by empathic and skilled practitioners.

What is the Government's role?

The Scottish Government will formulate and direct policy and manage the next phase of the reducing reoffending programme to drive progress that is measured by this indicator. Eight Community Justice Authorities (CJAs) sitting below them are tasked with working in partnership with local key agencies, including local authorities, Scottish Prison Service, health boards, police and third sector bodies.

The Reducing Reoffending Programme was established in January 2009 to shape the future of Scotland's Criminal Justice System by delivering changes to give Scotland a modern coherent penal policy based on a credible and robust package of community penalties. It produced a range of outputs to build up the infrastructure of community justice. This included the introduction of the Community Payback Order (CPO), piloting a new approach to young people who offend and the introduction of a new IT based risk assessment tool across Justice.

Work is now underway to develop phase two of the Reducing Reoffending Programme. The Scottish Government has embarked upon a wide consultation with those who work in community justice to understand the key priorities for making further progress. This consultation has included workshops in every Community Justice Authority area in Scotland and meetings with the national organisations involved in community justice, such as those in the voluntary sector, those representing local authorities, the police, and other relevant groups.

The content of the programme will depend on what we learn from consultation. However our initial views are that priorities will include delivering a rehabilitation system that addresses in the best way the risks and needs of offenders, including women and young people, and a system in which the changes from RRP1 are effectively embedded, operating efficiently and making a measurable difference.

How is Scotland performing?

The one year reconviction frequency rate for the 2008-09 cohort was 57.9 reconvictions for every 100 offenders, a small increase on the 2007-08 reconviction frequency rate of 57.1. Over the past seven years there has been a decline in the one year reconviction frequency rate. In 2002-03 the one year reconviction frequency rate was 63.9, whereas in 2008-09 was 57.9; a reduction of 6 reconvictions for every 100 offenders

NI Reconvictions

The data for this chart is available at the bottom of the page

Source: Scottish Government

Criteria for recent change

This evaluation is based on: Any difference within +/- 1 reconvictions per 100 offenders of previous year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. A decrease of 1 or more reconvictions per 100 offenders suggests the position is improving; whereas an increase of 1 or more reconvictions per 100 offenders suggests the position is worsening.