Co-Offending Among Prison Inmates

Abstract

The objective is to study the nature of co-offending among individuals who have previously spent time together in prison. Are new contacts established during a prison term that then result in co-offending subsequent to release? This question is examined on the basis of register data relating to all individuals released from Swedish prisons during a 6-month period (n = 3,930). The data show that 2% of the group were suspected of co-offending subsequent to having spent time together in prison. The findings are discussed on the basis of theoretical perspectives focusing on trust, contacts with other offenders, the size of the criminal networks involved, and criminal capital.

Investigating the Impact of Custody on Reoffending Using Propensity Score Matching

“…While there is little evidence that prison acts as an introduction service for potential co-offenders (Roxell, 2011), the stigmatizing effects of labeling, and the resulting structural impediments in terms of obtaining employment and adequate housing might be key mediators of the relationship between incarceration and reoffending (e.g., Chiricos, Barrick, Bales, & Bontranger, 2007;Farrington, 1977;Laub & Sampson, 2003;Murray, Blokland, Farrington, & Theobold, 2012). While there is little evidence that prison acts as an introduction service for potential co-offenders (Roxell, 2011), the stigmatizing effects of labeling, and the resulting structural impediments in terms of obtaining employment and adequate housing might be key mediators of the relationship between incarceration and reoffending (e.g., Chiricos, Barrick, Bales, & Bontranger, 2007;Farrington, 1977;Laub & Sampson, 2003;Murray, Blokland, Farrington, & Theobold, 2012).…”

“…However, other research provides an indication about the more likely mechanisms by which prison might be having this negative impact. While there is little evidence that prison acts as an introduction service for potential co-offenders (Roxell, 2011), the stigmatizing effects of labeling, and the resulting structural impediments in terms of obtaining employment and adequate housing might be key mediators of the relationship between incarceration and reoffending (e.g., Chiricos, Barrick, Bales, & Bontranger, 2007; Farrington, 1977; Laub & Sampson, 2003; Murray, Blokland, Farrington, & Theobold, 2012). For example, using data from 870 individuals from the Rochester Youth Development Study, Bernberg, Krohn, and Rivera (2006) found that the labeling effect of self-reported involvement in the juvenile justice system was associated with significantly greater levels of subsequent offending.…”

“…If the experience of prison has the desired impact and decreases later reoffending, this might be because of a specific deterrent effect. Alternatively, prison might lead to the acquisition of antisocial ties through the introduction to criminal techniques or potential co-offenders (e.g., Roxell, 2011) and/or the reinforcement of an offending identity caused by being a prisoner (Lemert, 1967). 2 If prison has an undesirable impact and increases later reoffending, this could be because of the absence of a specific deterrent effect, with the experience of incarceration being not sufficiently unpleasant, so an offender's perceived risk of future punishment for reoffending is reduced (e.g., Nagin, Cullen, & Jonson, 2009).…”

“…Incarceration could also increase the likelihood of later offending through the severing of prosocial bonds such as the loss of a partner and loss of employment that decrease an individual’s stake in conformity (Hirschi, 1969; Laub & Sampson, 2003). Alternatively, prison might lead to the acquisition of antisocial ties through the introduction to criminal techniques or potential co-offenders (e.g., Roxell, 2011) and/or the reinforcement of an offending identity caused by being a prisoner (Lemert, 1967). In addition, structural impediments on release (e.g., inability to obtain employment, appropriate housing) could also have a significant negative impact (e.g., Chiricos et al, 2003).…”

Solo and Multi-Offenders Who Commit Stranger Kidnapping: An Assessment of Factors That Correlate With Violent Events

“…Furthermore, social exchange theory posits that co-offending occurs because the potential rewards increase (Weerman, 2003). An offender analyzes the potential benefits and risk of involving a co-offender, considering the trustworthiness and reputation of the potential accomplice (Roxell, 2011). When the use of co-offenders can increase the risk of detection because there are more people who could potentially be caught, this risk could be overcome by trust among offending groups (Schaefer, Rodriguez, & Decker, 2014).…”