Offenders convicted of occupational crime and corruption are having their rehabilitation negatively affected by long term ‘labels’ attached to them on digital media, according to new research by the University of Portsmouth. The study, published in the Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, shows these ‘labels’ can lead to economic strains and social fractures that hinder productive reintegration into society. It had been thought that those convicted of white collar crimes, such as fraud and bribery were less likely to experience long lasting negativity after finishing their sentence. However, researchers discovered media coverage published online was having a much larger detrimental effect than had been previously assumed. The archive, search and sharing features of digital media ensures that the online identity of offenders is dominated by their crime long after a sentence is completed. The study shows this ultimately ends up with individuals having a “personal digital criminal legacy” (PDCL). This sticks with them, disrupting their lives and the lives of their families, long after the reported crimes.



Historically it has been assumed that white-collar crime was un-newsworthy and offenders were unlikely to be confronted by the negative impacts of adverse publicity Dr David Shepherd, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies

Lead author, Dr David Shepherd, from the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies at the University of Portsmouth, said: “Historically it has been assumed that white-collar crime was un-newsworthy and offenders were unlikely to be confronted by the negative impacts of adverse publicity. Consequently, there has been very little research in this field. We wanted to assess this perception and explore the accounts of some white-collar criminals who have experienced the attention of the press.” This is believed to be a rare study into white collar criminals after release from prison. It shows outcomes that directly conflict with the idea that criminal justice is most successful when it encourages the positive reintegration of offenders back into society. Seventeen participants, aged 30 - 65, were questioned and their answers analysed. Overall the group became less economically productive after release from prison. Two remained long-term unemployed and five could only find work in the gig economy where fewer questions are asked. The association of stymied employment opportunities, a permanent criminalised digital identity and Google was keenly felt by all the participants.



We wanted to assess this perception and explore the accounts of some white-collar criminals who have experienced the attention of the press Dr David Shepherd, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies