reoffend

Reoffending, or reoffense, refers to the commission of a new criminal act after a person has already been convicted of an offense. In criminology the term recidivism is often used interchangeably, though exact definitions vary by jurisdiction. Reoffending is typically measured using official statistics such as rearrests, reconvictions, or reconfinement within a set period after release from custody. These measures capture different stages of the criminal justice process and may yield different rates.

Multiple factors influence reoffending. Individual factors include age at first offense, antisocial behavior, substance use, mental health issues, and educational attainment. Structural and social factors—unemployment, poverty, housing instability, weak social ties, and peer networks—also affect risk. Criminogenic needs, which are domains that, when addressed, reduce future offending, include substance abuse, criminal attitudes, education and employment, and family and social supports. Desistance is typically gradual and influenced by life events, treatment, and ongoing support.

Policy and practice aim to reduce reoffending through rehabilitation and supervision. Evidence supports programs such as cognitive behavioral therapy, substance use treatment, education and vocational training, and structured supervision, though effectiveness varies by context and individual risk. Risk assessment tools help allocate resources, but their use raises concerns about fairness and accuracy. Debates center on balancing public safety with rehabilitation, funding for evidence-based programs, and the methodological challenges of measuring recidivism across systems.