Abstract In Macau, there are relatively few research studies about the public's attitudes towards prisoners and prisoner re-entry, compared to the United States of America. Due to high recidivism rates, it is important for the policymakers and rehabilitation systems to formulate suitable programs and counselling according to the situations in Macau, to reintegrate the ex-prisoners back in to the society and achieve low recidivism rates. This current study’s main aim was to investigate the public's attitudes towards prisoners and prisoner re-entry in Macau. Survey methods were used and ten variables were administrated to examine the relationship between the Attitude towards Prisoners (ATP) and Attitude towards Prisoner Re-entry scales (ATPR). The research findings showed that: having a personal acquaintance with prisoners and different marital status has a significant effect on the Attitude towards Prisoners scale scores, while other variables, such as age, gender, and religious affiliation do not have a significant effect on the ATP scale scores. In addition, the multiple regression analysis results showed that the Macanese have a more positive attitude towards prisoners, compared to the Chinese. With respect to Attitude towards Prisoner Re-entry, victimisation experiences, residential status, and religious affiliation were found to have significant effects, while other variables did not significantly affect the Attitude towards Prisoner Re-entry scores. The multiple 2 regression analysis results showed that people who hold a Macau SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card, Christians, and people who have family members or friends that are in prison, have more positive and supportive attitudes towards prisoner re-entry, compared to others. From these research findings, the government or related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can improve the existing policies, or develop more effective educational programs or treatments for both the public and ex-prisoners, all of which would assist with the prisoner re-entry issues. There are some limitations of this current study, such as sampling and more variables needed etc. and future replicated research will be needed.