Reoffending rates recorded at lowest rate for a decade

THE two-year reconviction rate has fallen to its lowest level in more than a decade, according to new figures.

A Scottish Government report published yesterday shows that the two-year rate fell from 44.1 per cent for 2006-7 offenders, to 42.4 per cent for the 2007-8 cohort, the lowest level since 1997-98.

The one-year reconviction rate has also dropped over the past seven years, between 2002-3 and 2008-9, from 32.9 per cent to 31 per cent.

The report shows a marked fall in the one-year reconviction frequency rate for the under-21 age group between the 1997-98 and 2008-9 cohorts, from 93.4 per cent to 70.3 per cent.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “We are working hard to make our streets safer and I am delighted that, thanks to the efforts of the police, courts and other justice partners, backed by this government, the rate is now at its lowest since 1997-98.

“It is also encouraging to see a significant reduction in reconvictions for those aged under 21, which reflects our considerable efforts made to steer young people away from a life of crime.”

The figures show offenders released from custodial sentences of three months or less have the highest reconviction frequency rate compared with those released from longer sentences.

Mr MacAskill added: “Prison is and always will be the right place for serious and dangerous offenders but the Community Payback Order sends low-level offenders out to address the reasons for their offending.”