Organized Crime Offenders in Canada: Risk, Reform, and Recidivism

Abstract

This study extends our knowledge about the rehabilitation of criminal organization offenders by focusing on their community outcomes upon release, and identifying the risk factors related to reoffending for 332 organized crime offenders released from federal penitentiaries in Canada prior to March 31, 2009. Of that group, 12.7% were readmitted to prison, which was about one half the percentage of a matched group of nonorganized crime offenders. These results are especially relevant given that most of these offenders were affiliated with traditional organized crime groups, such as the Mafia or outlaw motorcycle gangs, and, as such, are likely to be admitted to prison with well entrenched criminogenic beliefs and negative peer associations. These findings provide empirical evidence that these offenders do have the potential for successful community reentry. Implications for the development of correctional programs are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• counterpoint
• organized crime
• organized crime offenders
• recidivism

Notes

**p ≤ .01. ***p ≤ .001.

***p ≤ .001.

*p ≤ .05.

In Canada, all offenders sentenced to 2 years or more are sent to federal penitentiaries.

Throughout this study we use the term ordinary offender to refer to a convicted offender not involved in organized crime.