Perceptions of probation officer procedural justice, low self‐control, and recidivism after release from prison

Abstract

Purpose

Legal authorities who engage in procedurally just practices may reduce the likelihood of people offending, while low self-control is a known risk factor for offending.

Methods

Using data from the Prison Project, this study examines whether self-control conditions the impact of perceived probation officer procedural justice on recidivism for people on probation in the Netherlands.

Results

Controlling for demographics and criminal history, procedural justice and low self-control were both significantly associated with recidivism in the theoretically expected directions. However, no interaction was found between self-control and procedural justice, suggesting the relationship between perceived fairness and recidivism does not significantly differ across levels of self-control.

Conclusions

The findings support the generality of procedural justice effects on compliance, regardless of individual traits. In practice, procedural justice may improve outcomes even among people at higher risk on probation.