The Use of Technology in Decreasing Recidivism

Recidivism, the act of reoffending after release from prison, is a major issue in our criminal justice system. In the United States, roughly two-thirds of released prisoners will be re-arrested within three years. This not only impacts the lives of those re-arrested but also communities that are negatively impacted by increased crime rates.

Technology, however, has the potential to drastically decrease recidivism rates. With the help of computerized systems and software, offenders may be better monitored during their transition back into society.

One of the most promising uses of technology in decreasing recidivism is through electronic monitoring systems. Electronic monitoring involves the use of ankle bracelets or other wearable devices that track an offender’s location in real-time. This technology can help ensure that offenders are abiding by the terms of their probation or parole agreement. If an offender violates any conditions, such as leaving their approved area without permission, their probation or parole officer will receive an alert.

Electronic monitoring systems have been shown to help decrease recidivism rates. A study commissioned by the Bureau of Justice Assistance found that offenders under electronic monitoring had a 31% lower recidivism rate compared to those who were not monitored. Additionally, a separate study carried out by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that electronic monitoring for juveniles decreased the likelihood of re-arrest by 22%.

Technology can also be utilized to help with rehabilitation efforts. Virtual reality programs can expose offenders to situations that are similar to what they will face in the outside world. This simulated experience can help offenders develop coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills to manage a variety of real-world situations. Virtual reality can also be used to educate offenders in areas such as financial planning or job skills, to provide them better opportunities to obtain employment when released.

Similarly, smartphone apps can be useful tools in helping offenders transition back into society. One such app is the Getting Out app, which allows offenders to set up video chats with loved ones, stay up-to-date with the latest news and alerts in their community, and access job search tools. Delivered via a tablet device, this technology improves communication and support for offenders during and after incarceration.

Another useful tool in rehabilitation technology is the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) software. CBT helps identify negative patterns of thought and behavior which have contributed to an offender’s criminal activity. By identifying these behaviors, they can be addressed, and positive behavior can be practiced. This repetition is essential in making lasting positive changes in an offender and helping them break the cycle of recidivism.

Finally, technology can help to increase transparency and oversight in the criminal justice system. Body cameras for correctional officers and law enforcement can help ensure their accountability in their interactions with offenders. In addition, transparency can help establish trust between the criminal justice system and communities in which it operates.

In conclusion, technology offers us a viable option in combating recidivism rates. Electronic monitoring, virtual reality, smartphone apps, and CBT software all have proven to be effective tools for decreasing recidivism rates. The use of technology in the criminal justice system is just beginning to scratch the surface in combating this issue. As the technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, we may finally be able to make strides towards decreasing recidivism rates and ensuring a safer society for all.

References:

1. Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2018). Recidivism of prisoners released in 30 states in 2005: patterns from 2005 to 2010. Retrieved from https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/rprts05p0510.pdf

2. National Institute of Justice. (2018). Reducing recidivism and improving other outcomes for young adults in the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. Retrieved from https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/reducing-recidivism-and-improving-other-outcomes-young-adults-juvenile-and-adult

3. Urban Institute. (2018). Using technology to improve prisoner reentry. Retrieved from https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/using-technology-improve-prisoner-reentry

4. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2018). Development of a technology-enhanced stepped-care model for substance use disorders and criminal justice involvement. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-SR241-SteppedCareModel-2018/NSDUH-SR241-SteppedCareModel-2018.htm 

5. National Institute of Justice. (2017). Technology and community corrections: improving outcomes and enhancing public safety. Retrieved from https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/technology-and-community-corrections-improving-outcomes-and-enhancing-public-safety

6. Correctional News. (2019). How technology is helping to reduce recidivism rates. Retrieved from https://correctionalnews.com/2019/02/01/how-technology-is-helping-to-reduce-recidivism-rates/

7. American Bar Association. (2017). Technology and the juvenile justice system. Retrieved from https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/committees/childrens-rights/articles/2017/technology-and-juvenile-justice-system/

8. National Institute of Justice. (2018). How technology can improve prisoner reentry. Retrieved from https://nij.gov/topics/corrections/recidivism/Pages/tech-improves-reentry.aspx

9. The Pew Charitable Trusts. (2017). Using technology to reduce recidivism: three states that are showing the way. Retrieved from https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2017/04/06/using-technology-to-reduce-recidivism-three-states-that-are-showing-the-way

10. National Conference of State Legislatures. (2019). Technology and reentry: improving outcomes and reducing recidivism. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/technology-and-reentry-improving-outcomes-and-reducing-recidivism.aspx