High recidivism rates in certain environments suggest the limited effectiveness of traditional punitive approaches and represent a significant social and economic burden. However, comparisons of recidivism rates across countries are constrained by differences in definitions, methodologies, and follow-up periods. This master's thesis addresses the lack of economic evaluations of inmate incentive systems in Slovenia. Its primary objective is not to conduct a comprehensive empirical cost–benefit analysis, but rather to identify existing data gaps and develop an evaluation framework for future assessments of policy effectiveness.
The central part of the study consists of a comparative analysis of prison systems in Slovenia, Germany, Norway, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. The research employs a combination of descriptive methods and qualitative and quantitative analyses of secondary sources, including legislation, reports, statistical data, and published evaluations. The economic assessment is based on the logic of cost–benefit analysis (CBA), while return on investment (ROI) and cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) are presented where relevant data are available.
The findings reveal substantial differences in penal philosophies, the design of incentive systems, and the maturity of evaluation practices. The United States and the United Kingdom make more frequent use of economic evaluations and validated risk assessment tools, whereas Slovenia is characterized by limited institutionalized evaluation and a lack of integrated data systems. The cross-country comparison remains primarily descriptive, as recidivism rates are not directly comparable and the applicability of risk assessment tools depends on specific outcomes, target populations, and follow-up periods.
The thesis contributes an interdisciplinary synthesis of the field and provides recommendations for establishing a data infrastructure, implementing pilot projects, and conducting systematic evaluations of correctional interventions. Such an approach could support a more efficient allocation of public resources and contribute to reducing recidivism more effectively.
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