3.3 Examine the limitations of agencies in Achieving Social control Flashcards
Explain recidivism in relation to social control
Recidivism rates paint social control measures out as ineffective - The overall rate was 28% in 2018, with on average, re-offenders committing a further 4 offences
37% of juvenile offenders re-offend within a year
The current prison population is almost double what it was in 1993
However, recidivism is being tackled by longer sentences - In 2018 sentences for serious offences were on average 26 months longer than they were 10 years ago
Who Re-Offends
Prior offenders - In 2018 47.5% of offenders who had 10 prior convictions offended again
Males are more likely to re-offend than females
Substance addicts, homeless, the less qualified and the unemployed
However this excludes the dark figure of those who do not get caught
Link repeat offending to 2 theories of criminality
1 Right realists argue prison works well as a deterrence as offenders are rational actors, but fail to explain high recidivism rates
2 Marxists are unsurprised that unemployed people re-offend as benefits do not aid them adequately in meeting their needs
Explain human rights abuses with references to limitations of agencies in achieving social control
In e.g. authoritarian ‘police states’ the police have few restrictions on their powers to force citizens into subservience, government criticism is not allowed - this is an impingement on civil liberties
Liberties such as freedom from arbitrary arrest are aspects of the due process model - these models are barriers to the state exerting control without good cause
List instances of lack of access to support with regards to achieving social control, inside prison
/3
Short sentences do not give enough time for rehabilitation or treatment of issues e.g. anger management
Inadequate resources - The 2020 report by the chief inspector of prisons stated half of prisons inspected had too few programmes of useful activity
Prison officer cuts 15% since 2010 - Fewer officers to supervise prisoners undertaking rehabilitation activities, additionally, staff shortage events see prisoners locked up by 6pm, further distancing them from these activities
List issues a prisoner may face upon leaving prison
/3
A lack of money, only earning a £46 grant on release
Lack of a job, only 1/4 have a job to go to upon release
Homelessness - According to NACRO 1/9 in prisoners have no accommodation to go to upon release ; many lose their entitlement to housing benefit
What is the End Friday releases campaign?
By NACRO to end Friday releases which involved 1/3 of prisoners, as many prisoners do not get enough time to access services e.g. accommodation, drug medication before the weekend shut down leaving many sleeping on the streets
Why may offenders re-offend after community sentences?
/2
It does not offer support for complex needs e.g. drug addiction or homelessness ; the programmes it does offer have few places
There are criticisms that the national probation service is too lax with supervision appointments
