Offering more programs for inmates lowers recidivism rates

Roughly 95% of currently incarcerated individuals will eventually be released, yet recidivism rates are frighteningly high (nearly 50% for federal offenders, higher for state offenders). The status quo – warehousing offenders for as long as possible, then hoping for the best once they’re out – clearly isn’t working.

Supporters of criminal justice reform want to lower recidivism rates by offering evidence-based programs (GED, substance abuse, job skills training) to low-risk inmates to increase the likelihood they’ll become law-abiding citizens and modest incentives to complete these programs. This has worked in many states and can at the federal level, too.

– John Malcolm, Vice President, The Institute for Constitutional Government, and Director, Meese Center for Legal & Judicial Studies, The Heritage Foundation