Question
Examining the Predictors of Recidivism Among Men and Women Released from Prison in Ohio by Matthew Makarios, Benjamin Steiner, and Lawrence F. Travis III
Prisoner Reentry: What Works, What Does Not, and What is Promising by Richard P. Seiter and Karen R. Kadela
Prisoner Reentry in A Small Metropolitan Community: Obstacles and Policy Recommendations by Brett Garland, Eric Wodahl, Julie Mayfield
Sample paper
Parole and Prisoner reentry
It is the dream and the desire of every community to live in a peaceful environment free from any kind of crime. However, this is not always the case, and this is the main reason as to why the court system and police forces are introduced in any area of jurisdiction. Courts and police forces are meant to restore order, justice as well as enforce government laws to discourage criminal activities. On the same note, criminology as part of the court and police force focuses on the study of crimes, their causes, economic impacts and social impacts citizens in a state. A criminologist has a responsibility to analyze data and information to determine why crimes are committed and project ways in which can be utilized to prevent further criminal activities in the society. This essay will attempt to elaborate on a various aspect of criminology.
Question 1
Human being is prone to behavior change and adaptation after being exposed to certain living conditions for some time. This is the main reason as to why the good character is either corrupted or preserved when a person is imprisoned depending on the conditions and the influence around them. However, lack of education, limited social integration, limited freedom, lack of employment and lack of housing are some of the factors that can be used to predict recidivism among inmates. Lack of treatment programs poses a significant challenge for these individuals to re-enter the society after spending some time in prison (Makarios, 2010). After getting out, they may find new ways of doing things as well as a change of norms, and this limits their degree freedom to integrate with the society as well as meeting their basic needs. In extreme cases, these individuals lack support from their families and the society at large and may end up going for long without employment.
Question 2
In the recent years, there has been an increase in the number of offenders being released from prison as a result of factors surrounding their release. Some of the reentry programs designed to help these workers settle in the community while others have not worked.
- What works – this group represents those programs that are effective in helping inmates settle in the community. Such programs as vocational training or work release programs have been effective considering that they prepare a prisoner both mentally and physically to work after getting out. Other programs in this category include drug rehabilitation for drug addicts, educational programs and half house programs which reduce the possibility of future crimes(Jonson, 2015).
- Not working –this group represents ineffective reentry programs such as when prisoners are just left on their own to find the best method and technique to integrate with the members of their community.
- Promising – this category represents programs that have not been fully adopted but presents positive results such as sex and violent offender programs where they are taught and trained how to live with other individuals peacefully.
Question 3
Despite being in a rehabilitation center, most prisoners find it difficult to settle back into the society after serving their terms due to strains such as lack of fund to finance their activities and rebuilding their lives and in most cases, they are forced to rely on their family, members. Other strains include difficulties in reconnecting with their families, negative aspects of religious components and psychological challenges (Herbert, 2015). However, to help overcome these challenges, these individuals are encouraged to attend trainings and undertake education programs to help sharpen their skills as well as seeking psychological help from a qualified therapist.
References
Herbert, C. W. (2015). Homelessness and housing insecurity among former prisoners. . The Russell Sage Foundation journal of the social sciences: RSF, 1(2), , 44.
Jonson, C. L. (2015). Prisoner reentry programs. Crime & Just., 44, , 517-557.
Makarios, M. S. (2010). Examining the predictors of recidivism among men and women released from prison in Ohio. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 0093854810382876.
