RECIDIVISM IN TURKIYE: AN ARREST-BASED STUDY ON RELEASED PRISONERS ON PAROLE

Abstract

Recidivism is among the leading problems in criminal justice systems for many countries. Official crime reports reveal that reoffenders generate a serious amount of total criminality. This fact charges an important burden on budget of criminal justice system of governments. So, a comprehensive approach based on official data in crime researhes is needed for effective crime prevention programs. There are few studies on recidivism in Türkiye because of the difficulties in gathering data on recidivism. This study aims to contribute to picture dimensions of the recidivism in Türkiye. For this aim, official crime statistics on recidivism gathered from Turkish law enforcement agencies, Turkish Gendarmerie and Turkish National Police, are analyzed. After Covid-19 pandemic, Turkish government changed The Law on Execution of Punishment and Security Measures, and nearly 750.000 prisoners were released on parole between 15th April 2020-15th April 2023. The analysis includes crime types, reoffending frequency, age, and effects of recidivism on crime rates. The study concludes that recidivism rates based on released on parole in Türkiye for a 3-year follow-up period is 61 percent; that theft, fraud and drugs related crime are mostly reoffended crime types, and that reoffenders have caused a-20-percent-rise in crime rates for the said period.