DOES THE PRISON REFORM?

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 293, S. 42-50

Abstract

A survey of recidivism leads to the conclusion that 'approximately 3/4 of those committed to jails and workhouses have been previously committed.' This raises questions about the reformative success of prisons. Also, all such studies show considerable % who did not recidivate. No one knows whether this is due to prison training or in spite of it, but the fact that 20-40% of offenders do not repeat indicates something is effective in altering conduct. Especially is this the case when we note that a negative selective process filters out the more desirable risks, leaving the higher risks for the prison to work with. The high, degree of failure is related to the composition of the prison pop. There are 3 pop. segments: (1) The psychologically disturbed. Many such persons are treated in mental hospitals and their relapse rate is high there. The same is true when they are released from prisons. (2) The unskilled and uneducated person, otherwise 'normal,' who needs sufficient skill to earn a living. Frustration and defeat are the re - lease experience of these persons. Recidivism is a likely result. (3) The psychologically 'normal' person who identifies with an antisocial way of life is an equally low risk. They wait only to get out and resume their customary way of life. Recidivism is a high probability here. H. M. Trice.