Homicide Rise Not Linked To Prison Release
A new study in Criminal Justice Policy Review finds no evidence that prison releases lead to a significant rise in homicide rates.
UAB criminologists Tomislav Kovandzic, Ph.D., and Lynne M. Vieraitis, Ph.D., examined the impact of prison release rates on homicide rates using data from 46 states from 1975 to 1999.
Since state prison populations remained steady or increased during that period, researchers examined whether those admitted to prison in any given year were more or less likely to commit homicides than those released from prison.
Researchers found no significant association between prison release and homicide rates. “The most likely explanation…is that those leaving prison appear to have no greater propensity to commit homicide than those entering or remaining in prison,” Kovandzic said.
