Labeling Theory in a Police Diversion Project
Problems addressed
Recidivism
Effectiveness

Negative Effect

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Negative Effect

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Life periods served
Teenagers (14 to 17 years)
Where the program was applied
Courts of justice
Community (streets or community centers)
Country of application
United States
Description

This is a restorative justice project for medium-risk adolescents who have committed crimes, with the aim of preventing them from being prosecuted and thus stigmatized as offenders.
Alternatives to court proceedings include the release of the adolescent, a referral to a welfare agency, and a referral to hire a service or a petition.

Impact evaluations

An impact assessment showed that more formal arrest procedures increase recidivism. In terms of judicial apprehension, it is less damaging than subsequent processing in the judicial system, but more damaging than release from the system [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Klein, M. W. (1986). Labeling theory and delinquency policy: An experimental test. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 13(1), 47-79. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854886013001004

Information source