Burnout—Age at release from prison and recidivism

Empirical studies frequently have reported an association between age at release from prison and recidivism. For criminal justice decision-makers who wish to consider this knowledge in making prosecutorial, sentencing, or parole decisions, the magnitude of that association must be established while controlling for the effects of other variables known to be associated with recidivism (e.g., prior criminal record). This research addresses this issue using data from a large sample of federal prison releasees. The results indicate that recidivism rates do decline with increased age, and that the association is not diminished when statistical control is exercised for the effect of prior criminal record.     

Data sharing

The sharing of research data to permit secondary analyses is rooted in the collegial tradition of science. Recently there has been a gradual shift from viewing data sharing as a voluntary activity to considering sharing as an obligation of researchers. This paper identifies two important dimensions of data sharing: the degree to which the primary investigators may determine whether they will share their data and the reason for which the data set is being requested. In addition to discussing the dimensions of data sharing, the negative aspects of viewing data sharing as an obligation are discussed. These negative factors are increased burden on the primary investigator; lack of incentive to share data; and loss of control over the use of data and negative effects on scientific progress. Recommendations regarding data sharing policies are made in light of these negative effects.     

Salient factor score validation—A 1972 release cohort

In October 1973, the United States Board of Parole adopted an actuarial device, termed a “salient factor score”, as a risk assesment aid. This device was constructed and initially validated on a sample of 1970 releases utilizing a two year follow-up period for each case. However, as the utility of a predictive device depends upon its a ability to predict to prospective samples, periodic validation is required. This paper describes the application of the salient factor score to a subsequent validation sample of prisoners released during 1972 and discusses the effects of using various outcome measures.     

The distribution of health care financing in the overall population and among the elderly

This paper focuses on the distribution of health care costs among the elderly. Four revenue sources are considered: income taxes, payroll taxes, user fees, and insurance premiums. The empirical work shows that the heavy reliance on direct payments as a means of collecting revenues among the elderly makes their contribution to the health care financing structure more regressive than for the nonelderly.     

The review panel process: an algorithm for the conditional release of insanity acquittees

The release of insanity acquittees requires making informed decisions regarding both the presence and severity of an individuals' mental illness and the dangerousness of these individuals. This study evaluated the usefulness of employing structured assessments of mental health and violence risk factors in the conditional release decision-making process. All persons found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity at East Louisiana Mental Health System, Forensic Division who underwent a review panel between July 1, 1997 and July 1, 1999 were included in this study. The Classification and Regression Tree analysis was utilized to arrive at cutpoints that would optimize the predictive ability of the decision tree analysis. The results indicated that the Community Outpatient Treatment Readiness Profile score was the strongest predictor -- all patients receiving a score of 62 or greater on this scale were recommended to remain at the facility. When women were recommended for release, it was to civil facilities and with moderate levels of symptoms. For males with moderate symptoms, low PCL-R scores were associated with recommendations for release, whereas high scores were associated with recommendations for continued commitment. Our data suggests that algorithms may be useful to governing bodies when making release decisions.     

A 9-loci Y chromosome haplotype in three Italian populations

Three geographic areas of Italy have been sampled and genotyped for 9 Y chromosome STRs: DYS19, DYS385, DYS388, DYS389 I and II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393. Sampling was focused on residents of small areas, well distant from major urban centres. Only individuals whose grandfather would live in the same area were included. A total of 210 unrelated individuals were collected. Distribution of genetic variation across the three samples and comparison with previously published Italian database indicated that so far Y chromosome diversity has been only partially explored in the Italian Peninsula.