Citation

Sherman LW, Smith DA. Am. Sociol. Rev. 1992; 57(5): 680-690.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, American Sociological Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Deterrence theories and labeling theories offer inconsistent predictions about the relative impact of legal and informal controls on the subsequent criminal activities of arrested persons. In a controlled experiment using police contacts for domestic violence offenses in Milwaukee, we test whether the effect of arrest on recidivism is conditional on key individual characteristics indicating a "stake in conformity." Contrary to deterrence theories, arrest had no overall crime reduction effect in either the official or victim interview measures of repeat domestic violence. Consistent with labeling theories, arrest increased recidivism among those with a low stake in conformity: the unemployed and the unmarried. Neither race nor a record of prior offenses conditioned the effect of arrest on subsequent domestic violence. The results are consistent with findings from similar experiments in Omaha, Dade County (Miami), and Colorado Springs. (abstract Adapted from Source: American Sociological Review, 1992. Copyright © 1992 by the American Sociological Association)

Wisconsin
Nebraska
Florida
Colorado
Arrest and Apprehension
Arrest Effects
Deterrence
Police Intervention
Law Enforcement Intervention
Police Response
Domestic Violence Offender
Spouse Abuse Offender
Partner Violence
Violence Against Women
Adult Male
Adult Offender
Adult Violence
Offender Arrest
Male Offender
Male Violence
Offender Recidivism
Labeling Theory
07-02