From Solitary to the Streets: The Effect of Restrictive Housing on Recidivism

ABSTRACT Restrictive housing is sometimes required for the sake of safety and institutional order. However, many observers have argued that this practice is inhumane and leaves inmates at a greater risk of recidivism. This study empirically examined the effect of restrictive housing on recidivism using a cohort of released state prisoners. The results revealed that time spent in restrictive housing increased the risk of supervision revocations up to two years after release, but did not significantly increase the likelihood of rearrest or re-conviction. Thus, rule-breaking behaviors appear to continue into the community, but not necessarily continued criminal offending.