# Recidivism > [!metadata]- Metadata > **Published:** [[2025-02-09|Feb 09, 2025]] > **Tags:** #🌐 #learning-in-public #artificial-intelligence #ethical-ai #bias-mitigation #recidivism Recidivism refers to the tendency of individuals to relapse into previous criminal behavior after facing consequences or undergoing intervention for those behaviors. ## Key Aspects 1. **Definition in Criminal Justice**: - Repeat criminal behavior after punishment - Re-arrest after release - Violation of probation or parole terms 2. **Measurement Metrics**: - Re-arrest rates - Reconviction rates - Return to prison rates - Time between release and reoffense ## Relevance to AI Recidivism prediction has become a significant application of AI in criminal justice: - Used in [[COMPAS Algorithm Case Study|risk assessment tools]] - Influences judicial decision-making - Impacts parole and probation decisions ## Challenges in Prediction 1. **Data Issues**: - Historical bias in arrest data - Incomplete information - Systemic inequalities in justice system 2. **Ethical Concerns**: - Risk of perpetuating biases - Self-fulfilling predictions - Impact on individual rights ## Prevention Factors Effective recidivism reduction often involves: - Education and vocational training - Mental health services - Substance abuse treatment - Community support systems - Employment assistance ## AI and Bias Recidivism prediction algorithms often face challenges with: - [[Algorithmic Bias]] - Need for [[Fairness Definitions|fair assessment]] - Balance between public safety and individual rights [Learn more about recidivism and its relationship with AI bias](@https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/dec/14/saferent-ai-tenant-screening-lawsuit)