Drink drive convictions may pose particular problems for prisoners. By accessing conviction records for a sample of reception prisoners, this study examined two major issues in this regard - the extent of the problem, and the effectiveness of interventions. The study found that 80 percent of the sample were currently unlicenced, and that 37 percent had outstanding drink drive convictions. Specific drink drive and vehicle theft groups were identified, and there was an association between vehicle theft and illegal drug use. Vehicle theft charges for younger offenders are a potential marker for the later development of a chaotic lifestyle, drug abuse and recidivism. Those undertaking undertaking a prison based drink drive program were moderately successful in gaining a valid licence post-release compared to a matched control group. Drink drive programs were more effective for prisoners with a more stable lifestyle, however the greatest potential benefit is with those prisoners who are less stable and are at a greater risk of recidivism. (A)
Abstract