Profile of Offenders Readmitted for Violent Offences while on Conditional Release

Why we did this study

The mitigation of risk and safe transition of offenders into the community are primary concerns of the Correctional Service of Canada. Though violent recidivism is infrequent, the potential for harm to victims necessitates ongoing research into the prediction of violent re-offending and using these findings to develop strategies to reduce this risk.

What we did

Offenders with a community supervision period between April 2008 and March 2009 were included in the study.  Offenders on statutory release (SR) and discretionary release (DR; i.e., day or full parole) who were readmitted with a violent offence within the study period were compared on various indicators of risk, need, and demographic characteristics. A violent offence included any homicide or Schedule I offence.

What we found

Of the 14,401 offenders who had a supervision period during fiscal year 2008/2009, less than 2% (270) were readmitted with a violent offence.  The majority of these readmissions (80%; 214) were offenders on SR.  Over four-fifths of those new offences were either assaults or robberies, although four offenders were readmitted with homicide offences.

Offenders on SR had more extensive criminal histories than those on DR, with a larger proportion having served prior provincial and/or federal terms.  A significantly larger percentage had also failed on a previous conditional release.

In terms of risk and need, offenders on SR were significantly more likely to be assessed as having overall high risk and need, and to have lower reintegration potential (meaning that they are more likely to recidivate)  The table below shows the global risk and need scores, as well as reintegration potential for the violent recidivists. 

What it means

The results of this study are consistent with previous research on violent recidivism. In addition, the results show that offenders on SR who were readmitted with a violent offence differed from their DR counterparts on a number of important risk variables. While the rate of violent re-offending is low, work is need to better identify those most at risk.

For more information

Axford, M. (2010). Profile of offenders readmitted for violent offences while on conditional release. Research Report. R-228. Ottawa: Correctional Service of Canada.

To obtain a PDF version of the full report, contact the following address: research@csc-scc.gc.ca

Prepared by: Marsha Axford

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