Recidivism in the United Kingdom - Research Proposal Example

Recidivism in the United Kingdom College: CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1 Introduction Recidivism refers to the act of repeating a crime (habitual relapse of crime) after a has criminal completed serving his or her jail time while incarceration refers to the state of one being stubbornly resistant to the authority (McGuire, 2003, p.32). Both recidivism and incarceration are very common in UK among other developed countries like USA and Canada with the trend growing at an alarming rate. Numerous studies have shown that there is a very high probability of released criminals recommitting crimes or becoming rebellious to the authority. In United Kingdom for instance, about 50% of the arrested males are re-incarcerated with 39% of females likely to commit a crime and get back to prison (Towl, 2006, p.27). In the past few years, the rate of incarceration has been growing in a dramatic way to a point of calling for swift actions in order to control the situation since prisons were being overcrowded. Moreover, the criminals locked up in the prison continue to commit crime while still behind bars thus raising questions whether prisons rehabilitate criminals or not (Hurwitz and Christiansen, 2009, p.56). As a matter of fact, there exist criminal gangs inside the walls of the prison who are always willing to commit even serious crimes while still an inmate meaning that releasing such crocked individuals could be a fatal mistake. The UK justice system has for a long time being focusing on the efforts towards locking criminals up while neglecting the pressing need to check on how and what can be done in order to reduce the probability of recidivism (repetition of crime by former inmates) (Craig, Browne & Beech, 2007, p.45). This is just one of the weaknesses among many others that are likely to be of much significance to the judiciary system, prison departments, and legislatures among other stakeholders, in attempt of coming up with concise strategies of curbing the issue of recidivism. Recidivism in UK cannot be overlooked in any way especially considering the fact that over 95% of the inmates are released from prison at one given time and under various circumstances (Criminological Foundation. 1980, p.87). There exist a big hollow in the prison departments, laws governing operations in prison, judiciary as well as in the society in general (Heilbrun, Goldstein &Redding, 2005, p.38). This research paper is going to fill this gap by the researcher conducting a thorough research on recidivism UK and stipulate possible remedies that can be adopted to solve this problem. 1.2 Research Objectives The aim of this research proposal is to fully meet the following research objectives 1. To establish the level of recidivism in UK in terms of a percentage of the released inmates 2. To evaluate the factors that contribute to recidivism in UK (causes of recidivism) 3. To establish possible solutions than can be adopted in order to curb the problem of recidivism in UK which has continued to grow 1.3 Research questions 1. What is the level of recidivism in UK in terms of a percentage of the released inmates?  2. What are the causes of recidivism in UK? 3. What are the possible measures/solutions that can be adopted in order to control the problem of recidivism in UK? CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Literature Review There have been various studies that have been conducted on the topic of recidivism in various countries though less research has been conducted on the topic with respect to United Kingdom. Some controversial studies have in the past shown that more than 7 out of ten released persons are rearrested with half of them being taken back to prison within the first five years after their release (Moore & Long, 1981, p.167). Similar studies have also shown that the rate of incarceration among the males is relatively higher compared to that of females. According to most studies, incarceration is prompted by various factors amongst various people with situational and personal characteristics being key determinants. Individual’s social environment, family and the community in general play a vital role in influencing the behaviors of the former inmates (McManus & Thomson, 2005, p.11). Scholars suggest that it is important to consider other elements that may induce incarceration like individual’s circumstances. They suggest that it is always important to consider what had been done to the released inmates that prompted them to repeating crimes as well as the time they had taken since their release both immediate and in the long term. Many studies have shown failure to fit into the society by former inmates is among the main reasons that can trigger recommitment of a crime by an individual so as to get back to the environment and the social group he or she had been used up to. In most cases, members of the society tend to be suspicious to the former inmates and tend to discriminate them in their gatherings and in vital opportunities like job opportunities (Sparta, 2006, p.55). This feeling of an intense rejection and discrimination may highly make the released person to recommitting a crime. Inmates are expected to reestablish and restore good relationship with their family members and the society in general which is at times cumbersome because of the image the public have over them (U.S.), 2001, p.41). Moreover, these poor relations with the public and lack of skills especially those who had spent much time in prison may make them recommit a crime purposely to meet basic needs. It is the hope of every prisoner to get out of jail and establish a good life that is different from life behind bars though this is not always the case (Taxman & Pattavina, 2013, p.7). Released prisoners find themselves at times in a difficult moment out in prison with a lot of rejection and discrimination that can force them to commit other crimes (Zamble & Quinsey, 2000, p.33). Statistics have shown that a significant percentage if the ex-criminals who are rearrested are at times innocent thus giving an explanation of the statement that had been listed there above; ‘only half of the criminals that are rearrested are imprisoned’; meaning that half of the rearrested former prisoners are innocent (Logan & Johnstone, 2013, p.29). Such a scenario arises as a result of suspicion and mistrust from the other members of the society because most of the people and the security agents consider ex-prisoners like extremely potential criminals thus making them the first suspects in case a crime is committed. Studies have proven this is a common case that puts innocent ex-prisoners behind bars especially if they did not defend themselves in an ample manner (Norman & Greer, 2005, p.65). Recidivism rates are slightly higher in some countries like USA compared to that of UK (Williams-Taylor, 2012, p.29). As mentioned in the introduction recidivism rate in USA is at 60% with UK having a slightly lower rate of 50%, a factor that is said to be attributed by the UK administration focus on rehabilitating and educating prisoners and the society on how to embrace the released inmates. USA system on the other hand is said to focus much on punishing the criminals and keeping the potentially dangerous persons away from the other members of the society (Eyland & OToole, 2004, p.89). This is a factor that the administration in UK can highly be congratulated for. Statistics from studies carried out in UK about recidivism showed that released robbers have the highest probability of committing a crime which is estimated to be about 70% followed by those who had been convicted for being in possession of illegal weapons. Sexual offenders also have a greater probability of recommitting a crime (Furse, 2012, p.11). Similar studies in other countries like Sweden, Canada and USA have shown that the rate of recidivism is highly determined by the age of the ex-prisoners. Older former inmates are likely not to commit a crime compared to young ones whose chances of recommitting a crime is very high. The results of these studies can be said to be empirically related to the situation in United Kingdom whereby most of the old released persons are likely to be fully rehabilitated (Lombroso, Gibson & Rafter, 2006, p.55). As a matter of fact, there is a pressing need for carrying out more research in order to fill a gap that seem to exist on this topic since the rate of recidivism appear to remain constant despite the governments little efforts in solving it once and for all. This research study is going to address the fundamental mechanisms, propose viable measures that can be adopted to reduce rates of recidivism as well as evaluate deeply the main factors that contribute to this issue that has become a hard nut to crack. CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction This chapter of a research proposal outlines the research method that will be applied by the researcher while conducting his or her research. It also gives adequate support for the made choice. Methodology shows the research design that the researcher will use, his or method of data collection, research instruments that will be applied as well as the method of analyzing data that the researcher will apply in analyzing the obtained data. 3.2 Research Design This part of the research proposal outlines what the researcher will do, in what method and give reasons to why he or she will use that particular research design. As a result, the researcher is able to a set a clear plan on how the data will be collected and analyzed effectively and in an easily way. This research will be conducted using qualitative research methods only, exemplifying that the researcher will use qualitative research concepts. The researcher will apply qualitative methods in data collection such as interviews, observation, and review of documents or reports. The interviews conducted will either be live, through phone calls or video call interviews. Using qualitative research methodology is likely to significantly trim down the cost of data collection and analysis. In addition, the collected data is likely to be well detailed, reliable, and quantifiable so that a broad-spectrum conclusion can be drawn from the research. Application of this method will also give the researcher a chance to interact with the respondents live or through other modes of communication, meaning that he or she will be able to verify the obtained data easily. Nevertheless, the main drawback of this methodology is the fact that collecting and analyzing data is likely to be exhaustive and time consuming. It may also involve a lot of travelling among other commitments qualitative method requires. 3.4 Data collection a) Personal Interview The researcher will use interview as the main method of data collection from the respondents since this is the most effective method of getting information concerning to this issue. This will preferably involve live interviews, phone call interviews video calls interviews using Skype. The researcher will interview the at least 100 inmates and ex-inmates with the questions related to the objectives stated under objectives. This method will also be applied in collecting data from prison wardens, judiciary, and counselors among other parties who are experts in this field (Miethe & Lu, 2005, p.876). The main advantage of this method is that the researcher will be able to get reliable information since direct interactions give room for verifying the credibility of the respondent. However, the method could be a bit expensive since it involves travelling a lot or making lengthy phone calls. b) Secondary methods of data collection Secondary methods of data collection such as researching in the internet, reading crime in UK related books, reading journals, as well as going through the previously carried out studies on this topic. Credibility and reliability of the given information will be of much significance so that the general conclusion that will be drawn from the research can be used for future reference or can be cited on matters relating to this topic. There is also a pressing need to provide information that can be used in making changes in the judiciary systems, prisons among other departments which deal with rehabilitation of criminals (Loury, 2008, p.5). The cost incurred while using this method is likely to be relatively low though it is likely to be time consuming and exhaustive. c) Observation The researcher is going to observe the behaviors of the inmates while still in the prison and after their release. In order to save time, the researcher may optic to get facts from people who have taken time in making a follow up on people who had just be released from prison there exist numerous documentaries that the researcher may follow up on visiting the ex-inmates residential area in order to get facts about their lifestyle. This means that the researcher will use method as a combination with other methods like interviews. Applying it independently may consume a lot of time since it translates to researcher staying near the ex-inmates in order to observe them. 3.5 Data analysis The collected data will then be edited so as to remove possible errors, check its consistency and completeness, code and cross it and then tabulate any statistical figures for easy analysis. The researcher will use descriptive statistics in order to identify and describe the level of recidivism in the country. Statistical figures like the number of ex-inmates who commit crime after their release will be analyzed using percentages and weighted mean (Goulding, 2008, p.254). The researcher will also evaluate the probability recommitting a crime by of a released inmate and present it inform of a percentage. 4. Ethical considerations Ethical consideration of a research refers to analysing the ethical challenges that the researcher is likely to encounter while conducting the research; while collecting the data or while even presenting the data. This part of a research proposal requires the researcher to come up with appropriate guidelines and strategies in order to safeguard the respondent from any form of violation of their rights. Recidivism in the United Kingdom is topic that requires the researcher to be extremely cautious while collecting the data while at the same time presenting it since the authorities might develop interest over the released information (Alexander,2010,p.65) . One of the most important aspects the researcher will have to consider is the privacyor seclusion of the respondents (McCord and National Research Council, 2001, p.148). Researcher will avoid mentioning of real names of the respondents interviewed be it inmates or former inmates. This will help in preventing damaging his or her image or generally the public perception towards his or her (Tonry, 2006, p.16). It will also reduce chances of victimization by the authorities. Video footage recorded can only be released to the public with the respondents consent only. The language used during the interview or data collection will also be edited. In most cases inmates/criminals use vulgar language that is not morally acceptable. The researcher will apply necessary measures in editing it. Images of the criminals as well as their voices will also be distorted in order to hide their identity (Stemen, Rengifo & Wilson, 2007, p.102). The researcher must also acknowledge the respondent that this is a research and it need. Extreme caution is needed while conducting this research since most of the incarcerated criminals are extremely dangerous persons who can commit any kind of a crime. Bibliography Alexander, M. 2010. The new Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness. New Press. New York: Craig, L., Browne, K., and Beech, A. R. 2007. Assessing risk in sex offenders: A practitioners guide. John Wiley. Chichester. Criminological Foundation. 1980. Criminology & penology abstracts. Kugler Publications. Amsterdam. Eyland, S. and OToole, S. 2004. Corrections criminology. Annandale, N.S.W: Hawkins Press. Furse, M. 2012. The criminal law of competition in the UK and in the US: Failure and success. Edward Elgar. Cheltenham. Goulding, D. 2008. Recapturing freedom: Issues relating to the release of long-term prisoners into the community. Hawkins Press. Sydney. Heilbrun, K., Goldstein, N. E. S., and Redding, R. E. 2005. Juvenile Delinquency: Prevention, Assessment, and Intervention. Oxford University Press, USA. Oxford. Hurwitz, S., and Christiansen, K. O. 2009. Criminology. Allen & Unwin. London. Logan, C., and Johnstone, L. 2013. Managing crime risk: A guide to effective practice. Routledge. London. Lombroso, C., Gibson, M.and Rafter, N. H. 2006. Criminal man. Duke University Press. Durham, Car du N. Loury, G. C. 2008. Race, incarceration, and American values. MIT Press. Cambridge, Mass. McCord, J., Widom and National Research Council (U.S.). 2001 .Juvenile crime, juvenile justice. National Academy Press. Washington, DC. McGuire, J. 2003. Prison conditions in the United Kingdom. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. McManus and Thomson,2005. Mental health and Scots law in practice. Thomson/Green. Edinburgh. Miethe, T. D., and Lu, H. 2005. Punishment: A comparative historical perspective. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge. Moore, J. W., and Long, J. 1981. Barrio impact of high incarceration rates. Chicano Pinto Research Project. Los Angeles. Norman, J. E., and Greer, I. A. 2005 . Criminal reforms. Cambridge University Press.Cambridge, UK. Sparta, S. N. 2006. Forensic Assessment of inmates. Oxford University Press. New York. Stemen, D., Rengifo, A., and Wilson, J. 2007. State sentencing policies: Accelerators or decelerators of incarceration rates?. Nova Science Publishers. New York. Taxman, F. S.and Pattavina, A. 2013. Simulation strategies to reduce recidivism: Risk need responsivity (RNR) modeling for the criminal justice system. Springer. New York, NY. Tonry, M. H. 2006. The future of imprisonment. Oxford University Press. Oxford. Towl, G. J. 2006. Psychological research in prisons. Blackwell Pub. Malden, Mass. Williams-Taylor, L. 2012. Increased surveillance of sex offenders: Impacts on recidivism. LFB Scholarly Pub El. Paso. Zamble, E. and Quinsey, V. L. 2000. The criminal recidivism process. Cambridge Univ. Press. Cambridge. Read More