Scared Straight programmes
Evidence-rated crime-reduction intervention (EMMIE).
Effect on crime
increases crime
Evidence quality
very strong
Cost
low
What the evidence says
Scared Straight programmes involve organized visits to prisons for juvenile delinquents and at-risk children, aimed at deterring them from crime. Evidence from systematic reviews indicates that reoffending was 68% higher among participants compared to non-participants. Ultimately, these programmes are believed to increase rather than decrease criminal behavior among youth.
How it works
The intervention is based on deterrence theory, where realistic depictions of prison life aim to dissuade participants from further criminal involvement. However, the confrontational nature of some sessions may backfire, leading to increased offending.
Implementation
Sessions vary in length from two hours to a full day, with content differing between confrontational and educational approaches. Due to this variability, effective implementation is not clearly defined.
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.