Examining the stability and predictors of deterrability across multiple offense types within a sample of convicted felons. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bouffard, Jeff A.; Exum, M. Lyn; Niebuhr, Nicole
• Is Part Of: Journal of criminal justice. Number 57(2018)
• Page Start: 76
• Page End: 88
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Differential deterrability -- Offenders -- Decision making; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; Justice pénale -- Administration -- Périodiques; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2018.04.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-2352

Abstract

Abstract: Deterrence research finds mixed support for the effect of sanction, potentially due to differences in deterrability across individuals. We assessed differential deterrabilty within a known offender sample (n = 428), and examined consistency in deterrability across multiple offense types: drunk driving, aggravated assault and commercial robbery. Using Pogarsky's (2002) classification method, inmates were categorized as acute conformist, deterrable, or incorrigible for each scenario. These classifications varied by scenario, suggesting little intra-individual consistency across offenses. Regression analyses uncovered little consistency in predictors of deterrability across offense types. Results suggest policies to increase certainty, swiftness and/or severity of formal sanctions will not have uniform deterrent effects, but may have differential impacts across individuals as they contemplate different crimes. Highlights: Among known felons, many were nonetheless classified as "deterrable", few were "incorrigible" for any of three offenses. Differential deterrability classification varied by offense, suggesting little intra-individual consistency across offense. Regression analyses uncovered little consistency in predictors of deterrability across offense types. Belief consistently predicted "conformity"; peers and punishment avoidance inconsistently predicted other classifications.