Post-Release Source of Income and Convictions of Formerly Incarcerated Adults

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between post-release source of income and convictions for different types of crime. Longitudinal data from a sample of formerly incarcerated adults ( n = 10,879) released from Dutch prisons were used. Fixed effects models show that, compared with receiving social benefits, post-release employment is associated with a lower probability of convictions for crime in general, and for property crime. Persons who are not employed and do not receive benefits have a higher likelihood of conviction for any crime, property crime, and violent crime compared with those receiving social benefits. The magnitude of this positive relationship is stronger for those living alone, for women, and for persons older than 25. Results have implications for crime control policies.