Recidivism impact on society
Recidivism is the tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend, or commit a new crime, once released back into society. It is a serious issue that affects not only the individual who has been in prison but also the entire society. Recidivism rate is used to refer to the percentage of offenders who return to prison or jail after serving their sentences. It is a problem because it not only puts the offender at a disadvantage but also impacts society negatively through increased crime rates and additional costs for the criminal justice system.
The impact of recidivism on society is profound. It results in increased crime rates, which can lead to a general sense of insecurity and fear in the community. Crime rates rise because repeat offenders have already shown that they have difficulty conforming to societal norms and cannot be trusted to live up to their parole requirements. The crimes committed by these individuals can range from less severe offenses like petty theft to more serious crimes like assault and murder. Regardless of the severity of the offense, each crime has a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the individual affected by it.
Recidivism also results in a significant cost to the criminal justice system. Each time an offender reoffends, they require additional resources from law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities. This includes not only the cost of arresting and processing the offender but also the cost of their incarceration. Expenses such as food, clothing, and medical care all add up quickly, and the taxpayer is often responsible for footing the bill. These costs can be particularly burdensome for smaller communities and governments with limited resources.
Moreover, the impact of recidivism is not solely economic. It also has social consequences. When a person reoffends, they are stigmatized by society, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into society. A criminal record makes it difficult to get a job, find housing, or obtain credit. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and isolation, making it more likely that they will reoffend. This vicious cycle can continue for generations, as children of offenders are often saddled with the same stigma and do poorly in school and can lead to following their parent’s footsteps.
Reducing recidivism is, therefore, essential for the well-being of individuals and the broader society. Several approaches can be taken to reduce recidivism rates. Firstly, society must prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. Offenders need to be given the necessary resources to address their underlying issues, including drug addiction, mental health challenges, and lack of education or job skills. This can include counseling, therapy, education and training programs, and job placement programs. The aim should be at empowering offenders to establish positive social and economic connections with society after their release.
Secondly, we must monitor released offenders effectively by ensuring that the rehabilitation programs they attend are evidence-based, and the parole terms are reasonable and enforceable. By providing enough support like bringing in NGOs will help in reducing stigma and limiting social and economic exclusion, focus is shifting from punishment to rehabilitation to prevent recidivism.
Lastly, social attitudes towards the people who have been in prison ought to change to reduce stigma and not judge them by their past actions. There needs to be an understanding that these individuals are trying to make a new start in life and should be given a chance to do so. Our society needs to be open-minded and inclusive when dealing with people with a criminal record.
In conclusion, recidivism is a problem that affects society as a whole. It is essential to reduce recidivism rates by prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, providing effective resources, and monitoring released offenders. If society does not take steps to reduce recidivism, it will remain a costly and dangerous problem that will continue to damage the social fabric of our communities.
References
1. “Recidivism.” National Institute of Justice. https://www.nij.gov/topics/corrections/recidivism/Pages/welcome.aspx
2. “Recidivism Rates of Released Inmates.” Bureau of Justice Statistics. https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/18upr9yfup0514.pdf
3. “The Economic and Social Costs of Crime.” RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR1700/RR1723/RAND_RR1723.pdf
4. “The Effect of Incarceration on Employment and Wages.” Journal of Law and Economics. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/667758
5. “The Effects of Incarceration on Communities.” Justice Policy Institute. https://www.justicepolicy.org/uploads/justicepolicy/documents/effects_of_incarceration_on_communities.pdf
6. “Why Prison Doesn’t Work.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/mar/07/prison-doesnt-work-crime-rehabilitation
7. “The Criminal Justice System’s Impact on Society, Residents, and Businesses.” National Institute of Justice. https://www.nij.gov/topics/criminal-justice-system/Pages/criminal-justice-system-impact.aspx
8. “Recidivism and Reentry.” Urban Institute. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/recidivism-and-reentry
9. “Reducing Recidivism: States Deliver Results.” Pew Charitable Trusts. https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2018/04/reducing-recidivism-states-deliver-results