Recidivism In Prisons

Words: 1385
Pages: 6

The rate of recidivism in the U.S. is estimated to be about two-thirds, which means that two-thirds of released inmates will be re-incarcerated within three years. The number of inmates returning to state prisons within three years of release has remained steady for more than a decade (USAToday.com). There are many people who are incarcerated in jails and prisons for a length of time but once released, eventually return back soon after. Recidivism is to relapse into criminal behavior and would be considered a former prisoner’s return to prison for a new offense. A person will be incarcerated for a period of time rather short term or long term; will receive treatment and punishment but return back to jail soon after. Why is that? Losing your freedom should be enough to not engage in anymore criminal activity that would make you revert back to jail. If you …show more content…
This method may deter ex-convicts from retuning back to prison. The problem would be if prison is supposed to be a place that provides many rehabilitation programs, why is it a greater percentage of prisoners going back to jail soon after release? Inmates are given a choice to attend educational programs when they all should be mandatory. There are ways to reform prisoners to prevent them from recidivism. The problem with prisoners and their mentality to do wrong once released, may be caused by lack of education, inability to gain lawful employment, accessibility to drugs, institutional trained mindset, or lack of family support.
Education is a means of preventing criminal behavior and preventing recidivism. Education programs are given to inmates only because it is believed that criminals lack academic, vocational, and social skills that are needed to be successful in society. If one lacks these areas, he or she would turn to crime in order to survive. Most criminal acts are