A classification system and an inter-disciplinary action plan for the prevention and management of recidivism

Abstract

The high crime rate in South Africa and the government’s apparent inability to deal with this problem is a reality. Even though no official statistics exist regarding the recidivism rate in South Africa it is estimated that it could be between 55% and 95%. The contributing role that recidivism plays towards the high crime rate can therefore not be ignored. In South Africa no classification system exists whereby a repeat offender can formally be classified as a recidivist. The crime prevention and management strategies currently utilised in South Africa furthermore does not recognise and address the role that recidivism plays as contributing factor towards the high crime rate. The aim of this study was to formulate a classification system for the South African recidivist in order to compile an inter-disciplinary action plan for the prevention and management of recidivism. The research design of this study was exploratory and both quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods were used in this study. The quantitative study involved the completion of the PFIR eco-metric scale by offenders falling within the classification criteria for recidivism. From the analyses of this data a proposed profile of the South African recidivist was compiled. During the qualitative phase of the research interviews were conducted with experts in the field of crime prevention and management. A semi-structured interview schedule was used for this purpose. Based on the key findings of the study an inter-disciplinary action plan for the prevention and management of recidivism was compiled. The purpose of this action plan is to propose an inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral intervention and management strategy to address recidivism holistically. Within the action plan it is suggested that recidivism should be addressed on three levels, namely prevention, therapeutic and developmental intervention and reintegration. The primary recommendation of this study was that the proposed inter-disciplinary action plan should be adopted by policy makers and be included in the crime management and prevention strategies of South Africa. The study concluded with specific recommendations to help facilitate this process.