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From Custody to Community: Post-Release Supervision and Re-Offending

Author

Listed:
  • Gehrsitz, Markus

    (University of Strathclyde)

  • Grant, Sam

    (University of Strathclyde)

  • McIntyre, Stuart

    (University of Strathclyde)

Abstract

Many criminal offenders are managed in the community. We combine a natural experiment with administrative data from England and Wales to assess a key community correctional policy: post-release supervision. We find that supervision reduces re-offending in the first four weeks after prison release by 15%, in part due to the incapacitation of prolific offenders who are recalled to prison for violations of their probation terms. Supervision also causes a 5.5% reduction in re-offending three years after release. This effect persistence, which is even stronger for first-time prisoners, suggests that post-release supervision is a cost-efficient way to induces genuine behavioural change.

Suggested Citation

  • Gehrsitz, Markus & Grant, Sam & McIntyre, Stuart, 2026. "From Custody to Community: Post-Release Supervision and Re-Offending," IZA Discussion Papers 18682, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18682
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • H50 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - General
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy
    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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