Foreword Studies of the specific deterrent effect of criminal sanctions have mostly focused on prison. This is, in some ways, unfortunate as non-custodial penalties are far more frequently imposed than custodial penalties. In this study, the authors use propensity score matching to assess whether the length of a bond or suspended sentence makes any difference...

This study aimed to determine whether being referred to the Court Referral of Eligible Defendants into Treatment (CREDIT) pilot program reduces re-offending. Method: Using propensity score matching, adult defendants referred to the CREDIT program, who had their matter finalised in court by 30 June 2011, were matched to control defendants on a large number of...

This report finds that despite media reports claiming that APVOs are overused in NSW,only a small proportion of APVO applications are frivolous or vexatious in nature. Aim: To establish whether frivolous or vexatious Apprehended Personal Violence Orders (APVO) are common in NSW and, if so, the circumstances under which they arise. Method: Online survey of...

While the offence is certainly serious, the incidence of household burglary in NSW has fallen considerably in the past 10 years. Aim: To examine changes in the types of objects stolen in household burglary offences. Method: Comparison of police-recorded numbers, rates and rank orders of stolen objects in 2001 and 2010.