reincarceration

Reincarceration refers to the return of a person to prison after being released from imprisonment. In many criminal justice systems, individuals released on parole or probation must comply with certain conditions. If they violate those conditions or commit a new offense, they may be reincarcerated—often through a revocation of parole or probation or by being sentenced for a new crime. In some usages, the term specifically denotes revocation for failures to meet conditions (technical violations) rather than new offenses; in others, it includes all returns to custody after release.

Reincarceration is a component of broader recidivism measurement, but it reflects not only offender behavior but also supervision practices and legal thresholds for revocation. Rates are influenced by risk assessment, supervision intensity, availability of treatment and support services, and jurisdictional rules governing when violations trigger custody.

Policies to reduce reincarceration commonly emphasize graduated sanctions, parole and probation reform, expanded access to treatment for substance use and mental health issues, and alternatives to custody for nonviolent or technical violations. Proponents argue that careful supervision with appropriate supports can maintain public safety while easing reintegration, whereas critics warn that high reincarceration rates can disrupt families, increase costs, and hinder long-term outcomes for offenders and communities.

Data quality and definitions vary across jurisdictions, complicating comparisons. Researchers typically distinguish among revocation, rearrest, reconviction, and reimprisonment when reporting reincarceration statistics to clarify what is being measured.