I need a answer to this discussion answer from a classmate how would you respond ... The problem is reducing recidivism in America. With statistics showing that almost 70% of all prisoners released from prison will commit a new crime within three years of being released finding a way to lower recidivism in the American correctional system is a problem (Alper et al., 2018). Historically prisons and correctional facilities have focused on punitive approaches that can help with deturing recidivism. Newer research is showing that an alternative approach to rehabilitation focusing more on addressing individual risk areas including focusing on antisocial cognitions and attitudes has shown an impact in reducing recidivism. One of the books that I have been reading about correctional psychology and rehabilitation argues that the focus on risks is not enough and needs to adjust the approach to focus on cognitive behavior to achieve a longer-lasting change in recidivism (Samenow, 2014). A benefit to the different research strategies is the ability to look into the different demographics of the prison system and as research has shown there is a strong racial and cultural discrimination of those currently incarcerated ( Clear & Montagnet, 2022). We need to be able to look at and research the difference in not only program availability but also community resources available when the individual is released. With the high population of young, poor African Americans researching and adapting programs to fill the needs of both the returning individual and the community are vital. Just one incarceration can have adverse effects on the individual and their families, and this can become amplified with each new arrest. The different methodologies are important to address especially when looking at the social and economic impact each incarceration can have on the individual and community. Punitive measures have created communities building distrust in law enforcement and led to the idea of beating the law having more importance than following the social laws.

Resources:

Alper, M., Durose, M.R., & Markman, J. (2018).2018 update on prison recidivism. A 9-year follow-up period (2005 -2014).Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Clear, T.R., & Montagnet, C.L. (2022).Impact of incarceration on community public safety and public health.In public health behind bars. (pp. 12-29). Springer, New York, NY.

Samenow, S.E. (2014).Inside the criminal mind.Crown Publishing.