The high recidivism rates in the United States are a clear indication of the deficiencies within the justice and prison system. Although the U.S. has only about 4.2 percent of the world’s population, it accounts for almost 20 percent of the global prison population. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. prisoners face rearrest within three years of release.
Prisons are intended to punish and remove dangerous criminals from society. The threat of imprisonment often serves to deter crime. However, the system also bears the responsibility of rehabilitating inmates, many of whom are young minority males involved in criminal activities during their teenage years. A 19-year-old male entering prison will likely emerge unskilled, unemployable, possibly drug-addicted, and versed only in criminal behavior.
While some manage to turn away from crime, many revert to it in the absence of viable alternatives. The First Step program introduced by President Trump aims to direct prisoners away from crime. Private efforts to educate and train inmates exist but remain underutilized.
Individuals like Tony Lowden, related to prison reform and prominent figures in this effort, offer support. On the other side, figures within the administration, such as David Barker, Ph.D., from the Department of Education, work towards equipping inmates with useful skills. A small fraction of violent individuals need to remain incarcerated for public safety, but countless others don’t fit this category.
Incarcerated individuals often spend their time idly, engaging in activities like watching television or joining gangs for drugs as a form of escape. They should be acquiring skills like carpentry, welding, construction, and auto repair to aid their employability post-release. Yet, corruption within the ‘Prison Industrial Complex’ hinders progress, treating inmates like commodities.
Consider offering prison officials raises and bonuses based on successfully reducing recidivism rates, effectively rewarding performance in correcting prisoner behaviors. Education, training, healthcare, and restoration get overlooked for most inmates. Utilization of virtual reality for inmate education has shown that retaining information and focus significantly improves, reducing stigma which hampers adult vocational programs.
Technology facilitates earning diplomas, degrees, or certifications in various trades. Leaders like Rep. Byron Donalds and Amy Frizzell of Florida’s Department of Corrections exemplify commitment to reducing recidivism. An impressive reduction in recidivism to 11 percent in the U.S. Virgin Islands is credited to leadership like Bureau of Corrections Director Wynnie Testamark.
Frederick Douglass, in the 19th century, advocated for education as vital for human success. Current recidivism rates would alarm him, though he’d likely regard the formation of organizations aimed at drastically reducing these rates as encouraging.
In 2018, the bipartisan First Step Act, endorsed by a wide coalition, sought criminal justice reform to enhance rehabilitation opportunities, reduce recidivism, and shorten extensive sentences. It championed rehabilitative programs including educational initiatives for federal inmates.
The Trump administration has further opportunities to harness technology, supporting prisoners in achieving productive futures. Transforming inmates into taxpayers offers potential financial benefits. Stephen Moore, a former economic advisor to President Trump, now leads Unleash Prosperity and serves on Promising People’s Advisory Board. John L. Evans Jr., Ed.D., co-founded Promising People.
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