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Does visitation in prison reduce recidivism?

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  • Yuki Otsu

Abstract

Visitation in prison is associated with a low recidivism rate after release, but the causality is not clear. This paper tries to estimate the effect of visitation experience on the recidivism outcome of state prisoners in Missouri, using an instrumental variable approach. The instrumental variable used for identification is the distance from a prison to an address before incarceration. The results support that visitation has a causal effect on recidivism in the short run. Further analysis shows that employment is an important channel of the visitation effect. However, no discernible effect on housing stability is found.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuki Otsu, 2024. "Does visitation in prison reduce recidivism?," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 43(1), pages 126-156, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:43:y:2024:i:1:p:126-156
    DOI: 10.1002/pam.22529
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. McNeeley, Susan, 2025. "In-person and remote video visitation and reentry outcomes among those released during the COVID-19 pandemic," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    2. Nur, Alexandra V. & Krushas, Amber E., 2025. "Outside in: The role of visitation on within-prison and post-release behavior," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).

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