The effectiveness of imprisonment in reducing recidivism : a case study of drug offenders

Abstract

This dissertation looks at inmates who experienced drug addiction problems at the Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF) together with the influence that this system left on them; whether it helped them rehabilitate or relapse again. Antisocial behaviour and recidivism represent a significant phenomenon which influences society and the criminal justice system. Three Maltese ex-inmates and one recidivist who is still in the CCF were targeted in this research to obtain their perspective on the current state of the correctional facility. Data was collected from interviews found online and four themes were evaluated and then subjected to a thematic analysis. The results provide evidence that there are various aspects which play an important role in helping drug inmates to give up their addiction and rehabilitate within society. Having a good support system and attending good rehabilitation program are two of the aspects that resulted from this research. Finally, recommendations are also given to outline improvements that could be implemented in the prison facility and the criminal justice system to better help inmates quit their addiction, return to a normal healthy lifestyle and reduce the recidivism rate. To conclude, if one takes into consideration the findings which were evaluated throughout this study, the impact of recidivism within drug addicts inside the prison will be reduced.