A0659
Title: The effect of parole supervision on recidivism in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Joanna Wang - University of Technology Sydney, Australia (Australia) [presenting]
Abstract: The aim is to estimate the causal impact of parole supervision on recidivism among offenders sentenced to short-term prison sentences. The method used was to compare recidivism rates between parolees and ex-inmates who were released from prison unconditionally. The variation in the sentencing severity of quasi-randomly assigned Local Court magistrates as an instrument of release on parole is used to measure the causal effect of parole supervision. The results showed that parolees were substantially less likely to re-offend than prisoners released unconditionally. The likelihood of re-conviction, committing a person, property or serious drug offence, and being re-imprisoned within 12 months of release was significantly reduced. These reductions in recidivism persisted 24 months after release from prison. Furthermore, the findings revealed statistically significant reductions in recidivism among parolees with Medium or above LSI-R scores and below Medium and among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal parolees. In conclusion, it is found that parole supervision had a substantial and lasting impact on reducing recidivism among offenders sentenced to short-term prison sentences.
