The effects of reducing recidivism in California’s prison system carry not only huge monetary benefits, but also positive societal changes Ultimately, reducing prison overcrowding in California saves millions and cultivates a more successful generation of ex-offenders. Out are the strict and rigid boot camp and strict talk-therapy solutions of yesteryear, as advocates of criminal justice reform are taking a less abrasive — yet seemingly more effective — approach to jamming the revolving door.
If more prisoners completed and were released under rehabilitation programs, it would slash the incarceration budget by over $9 million. And better yet, If our state lowered recidivism rates by a mere 20%, it would save a whopping $466 million dollars. These cuts not only reward taxpayers’ wallets, but also encourage non-threatening criminals to make something good of themselves, join the workforce and leave crime in the past.
But these savings can only happen in the presence of more resources and programs catered towards bettering the lives of ex-convicts. Thought to some it may seem counterintuitive to immediately allocate more money towards these programs — seeing how California’s prison budget is already skyrocketing — the payoff is undeniable in the long run. In addition to saving money, increased prison education keeps our streets safe and further lowers crime rates — more effectively than simply imprisoning offenders does. A study by the Department of Policy Studies at the University of California at Los Angeles found that “a $1 million investment in incarceration will prevent about 350 crimes, while that same investment in [correctional] education will prevent more than 600 crimes.
Moreover, if children of ex-cons witness their parents improving their lives following prison, they are more likely to be motivated in their own positive goals — hopefully breaking the cycle and reducing crime within future generations.
Aside from the advantages that come from changes made within prison, communities be open minded towards former-offenders. Rehabilitated and educated prisoners can only truly apply and use their newfound skills if business owners and employers are willing to give these reformed individuals a fair chance. This means ended discrimination targeted at those with a criminal record who are trying to join the workforce and de-stigmatizing ex-prisoners — both of which can be achieved by “banning the box” and removing crime-related questions from job applications.
The sooner we can accept former convicts as a valuable part of society, the sooner we can strive towards reforming our prison system and preventing further crime.
I leave you with two quotes from conservative politicians:
“We should not be resigned to allowing generation after generation to return to prison because they don’t have the tools to break the cycle.” – Sam Brownback, Governor of Kansas
“We know from long experience that if [former prisoners] can’t find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit more crimes and return to prison. … America is the land of the second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.” – George W. Bush
Text by: Campbell Gee
Jam the Revolving Door 