What is a Barrier Crime?
A barrier crime is a type of offense that is committed by a person who is already involved in the criminal justice system, often due to a previous conviction or arrest. Barrier crimes are characterized by the fact that they are committed by individuals who are already under some form of supervision or control, such as probation, parole, or incarceration.
Types of Barrier Crimes
Barrier crimes can take many forms, including:
• New crimes committed while on probation or parole: This type of barrier crime occurs when an individual who is on probation or parole commits a new offense, often as a result of a relapse into criminal behavior.
• Violations of probation or parole: These are technical violations of the terms of probation or parole, such as failing to report to a probation officer or failing to pay restitution.
• Escape or attempted escape from custody: This type of barrier crime occurs when an individual who is incarcerated attempts to escape or actually escapes from custody.
• New crimes committed while in prison: This type of barrier crime occurs when an individual who is incarcerated commits a new offense while still in prison.
Why are Barrier Crimes a Concern?
Barrier crimes are a concern for several reasons:
• Recidivism: Barrier crimes contribute to recidivism rates, which are the percentage of individuals who are released from prison and then rearrested. High recidivism rates are a significant concern for law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
• Public Safety: Barrier crimes can pose a threat to public safety, particularly if the individual committing the crime is armed or violent.
• Resource Allocation: Barrier crimes require law enforcement and criminal justice resources, which can be a significant burden on already-stretched budgets.
• Deterrence: Barrier crimes can undermine the deterrent effect of punishment, as individuals may not perceive the consequences of committing a crime as severe or effective.
Consequences of Barrier Crimes
The consequences of barrier crimes can be severe and far-reaching:
• Increased Sentence: Committing a barrier crime can result in an increased sentence, including longer periods of incarceration or more severe penalties.
• Loss of Privileges: Individuals who commit barrier crimes may lose privileges, such as visitation rights or access to programs or services.
• Increased Supervision: Barrier crimes can result in increased supervision, including more frequent reporting to a probation officer or more intensive monitoring.
• Criminal Record: Barrier crimes can result in a criminal record, which can have long-term consequences for employment, education, and other opportunities.
Prevention and Intervention Strategies
Preventing and intervening in barrier crimes requires a multi-faceted approach:
• Early Intervention: Providing early intervention and support services to individuals who are at risk of committing a barrier crime can help to prevent recidivism.
• Rehabilitation: Providing rehabilitation services, such as counseling and treatment, can help individuals to address underlying issues and reduce the likelihood of committing a barrier crime.
• Community-Based Programs: Community-based programs, such as halfway houses and sober living facilities, can provide support and supervision to individuals who are transitioning from incarceration to the community.
• Restorative Justice: Restorative justice programs, which focus on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships, can provide an alternative to traditional punishment and help to reduce recidivism.
Conclusion
Barrier crimes are a significant concern for law enforcement and the criminal justice system, as they can contribute to recidivism rates, pose a threat to public safety, and require significant resources. By understanding the types of barrier crimes, the consequences of committing a barrier crime, and the prevention and intervention strategies that can be used to address barrier crimes, we can work to reduce recidivism and improve public safety.
Table: Types of Barrier Crimes
| Type of Barrier Crime | Description |
|---|---|
| New crimes committed while on probation or parole | Committing a new offense while on probation or parole |
| Violations of probation or parole | Failing to comply with the terms of probation or parole |
| Escape or attempted escape from custody | Attempting to escape or actually escaping from prison or jail |
| New crimes committed while in prison | Committing a new offense while incarcerated |
References
- Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2020). Recidivism of Prisoners Released in 30 States. Retrieved from https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/rpr30.pdf
- National Institute of Justice. (2019). The Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Programs. Retrieved from https://www.nij.gov/topics/crime/restorative-justice/pages/effectiveness.aspx
- Pew Charitable Trusts. (2019). Reducing Recidivism: Strategies to Stop the Cycle of Crime. Retrieved from https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2019/04/reducing-recidivism-strategies-to-stop-the-cycle-of-crime
