Moral reconation therapy (MRT)
Evidence-rated crime-reduction intervention (EMMIE).
Effect on crime
reduces crime
Evidence quality
strong
Cost
low
What the evidence says
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a behavioral treatment designed to influence how offenders think about moral issues and make moral judgments. Evidence suggests that MRT has reduced crime and reoffending rates among participants. The intervention has been shown to decrease recidivism significantly compared to control groups, particularly in institutional settings.
How it works
MRT seeks to advance offenders from lower stages of moral development to higher levels, where social rules and the well-being of others become significant. This change in cognition is believed to lead to altered behavior regarding crime.
Implementation
MRT is delivered in a structured program consisting of 12 to 16 sessions, typically in groups of 10 to 15 offenders. Each participant receives a workbook and engages in exercises designed to confront beliefs and develop moral reasoning skills.
Source: College of Policing Crime Reduction Toolkit (What Works Centre for Crime Reduction). Summarised 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the College of Policing.