How many repeat offenders are in prison?

Answer 1

First of all, recidivism refers to a person's relapse into criminal behavior -- it is defined legally as the rate at which an offender commits other crimes after being released from incarceration. The sex offender recidivism rates are actually lower than for the general criminal population and the percentage depends on who you are asking. There are plenty of donation enriched non-profits that suggest its 50% or more. Many studies [such as those by Hanson and Bussiere (Meta-analysis of studies of sexual recidivism) or Quinsey, Rice, and Harris] have the rate varied at 5%-20% for sexual offenses. Based upon a Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics report, the percentage is more like 5.3%. The state of California has the highest number of registered sex offenders at well over 100,000. The recidivism rates are remarkably low according to the California Department of Justice only 1.9%. The non-profits that list rates of over 50% are bias in that many of them get their funding for being victim rights organizations. The Department of Justice are no friend to crime or registered sex offenders. So their stats can be trusted as closer to fact.

Answer 2

Recidivism is a tricky thing to understand. First, it is not regularly tracked by the federal government. Many states track recidivism, but reporting such would take massive effort and require constant updating. The numbers fluctuate slightly, but remain essentially stable. The last comprehensive federal report was published in 1994. That showed some surprising things.

Recidivism rates by conviction type:

• Murder - 2.5%
• Sex Offenses - 3.7% (within the first five years of release, statistically zero for those over forty or after five years.)
• Larceny - 47.3%
• Drug possession - 68.9%
• Rape - 87.5%
• Public Exhibition (flashing) - 94.8%

Answer 3

41%