Increasing Recidivism In Prisons

The prison population has steadily increased overtime even though the crime rate has dropped. Many states are facing budgetary issues and are trying to find alternative programs that will reduce the prison population. One factor that has increased the prison population is recidivism, where offenders released from prison commit another crime to only be sent back to prison. Our governor has asked our advisory team to come up with solutions to this epidemic of recidivism in our state.
Proponents for the accelerated release of offenders into community-based programs believe that releasing nonviolent offenders would reduce the population of prisoners, be cost effective, and assist offenders back into the community. Proponents against the accelerated release of offenders believe that released offenders would commit another crime in the community. Proponents believe that there is not enough evidence to suggest that community-based programs would reduce recidivism rates. Our advisory team has looked at the evidence of other key states whose recidivism rates has dropped because of programs that assist the release of offenders back into the community. The three states that have proven that community-based programs can work are: Michigan; Missouri; and Oregon. Our …show more content…
The MPRI is an individualized program that assesses a prisoner’s risk, needs, and strengths. Offenders are then moved into a reentry facility, where a transition plan is made to address housing, transportation, employment, counseling and addiction treatment in coordination with community service providers. Offenders who were released and enrolled in the MPRI after 2007, went back to prison 33 percent less than other offenders who were not in the program (Pew Center on the States, 2011, p.