Prison Education Essay

Words: 4545
Pages: 19
Open Document
Proceedings of The National Conference On Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2009 University of Wisconsin La-Crosse La-Crosse, Wisconsin April 16 - 18, 2009

Prison Culture, Education, and Recidivism Rates
Caleb L. Fry and Lauren T. Rios Department of Anthropology Lake Tahoe Community College One College Drive South Lake Tahoe, California 96150 USA Faculty Advisor: Daryl G. Frazetti Abstract
Given the number of inmates in the prison system and the high level of recidivism, it is important to seek out possible solutions to this growing problem. By implementing more educationally and vocationally oriented programs it is possible that current recidivism rates can be reduced, thereby offering some relief for existing overcrowding conditions. …show more content…
Therefore, it is important to identify how recidivism is related to a plethora of social problems.

3. Recidivism and Society
At all levels of the correctional system in the United State a vicious cycle continues. It is the cycle of rising crime rates, rising recidivism, and the tremendous consequential costs. Despite well-intended attempts, we have not yet seen any real effective means for preventing criminal actions, increasing inmate success in correctional programs, or decreasing the rates at which former inmates are returning to the correctional system. On a national level, 95% of those incarcerated today will be released3, 60% of whom will recidivate4. Free society faces the burden of accounting for average annual cost associated with the operating of correctional facilities, as well as the costs of construction of new facilities. The mean annual costs of housing an inmate is $45,0005, and new facility construction averages $140,000 per bed.6: • • • • • • Few inmate resources upon release Economic stress to federal, state, and local governments Impact on social programs when funding is funneled to criminal justice needs Increased delinquency by children of inmates Greater impact of the prison environment on juveniles Greater reintegration difficulties for juveniles

As Steve Parker, Inmates Officer at the South Lake Tahoe, California jail states, “Inmates leave
Show More

Related Documents: Prison Education Essay

Importance Of Education In Prison

SERVING TIME IN PRISON SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO STUDY TOWARDS A COLLEGE DIPLOMA OR UNIVERSITY DEGREE Though prisoners are criminals and may deserve punishment, they should be treated as human beings and educate them, in order to give them a chance to change and be useful for society in the future. Education is a human right, though it could be pricey. Many prisoners are very eager to learn and were just never given the opportunity. According to Hughes (2012), “Education in prison can help some…

Words 672 - Pages 3

Essay On Prison Education

The state and federal prison population in America is large. Each day defendants are sentenced for their crimes and become part of the ever growing number of the incarcerated population. As of 2010, there were more than 2.3 million prisoners in America’s prisons (Meyer, Fredericks, Borden, & Richardson, 2010). Many offenders are entering into the prison system with very little education, are often economically disadvantaged and were either unemployed or employed at jobs requiring few skills when…

Words 739 - Pages 3

High School Education In Prisons

The General Education Development (GED) program gives inmates who have no high school education, the opportunity at an education inside the prison. This gives inmates the opportunity to push themselves at obtaining this education while they’re in prison so that when they get out they will have something to reintegrate themselves back into society. Education is a very important step in this society and it is cherished so much that any job will ask a person to have at least a high school diploma or…

Words 230 - Pages 1

Importance Of Free Education In Prison

college education is important for inmates. When looking at college education for prisoners, the crimes they have committed should be ignored. The most effective way to keep individuals out of prison is to provide them with education and skills to get a job. However, not everyone should be allowed to receive college education. There is no reason for an individual with life in prison to receive education. He/she will never get out of prison and he/she will never be able to use the education and skill…

Words 300 - Pages 2

Argumentative Essay: The Value Of Prison Education

has a right to education, but why is there an exception for prisoners? Everyone has a right to education, especially if they work hard for it and earn it. Educating prisoners before their release will save taxpayers money, help society, help prisoners better educate themselves and gives them a chance at a better life. Educating prisoners saves taxpayers money. It costs $2,500 to educate and for every dollar spent $5, is saved. From spending $2,500 alone on the prisoners’ education, $7,500 is saved…

Words 497 - Pages 2

Essay on Recidivism: Prison and Correctional Education

of individuals involved with criminal justice system continues to rise at alarming rates. Since 1980, the incarceration rate has tripled. 1 in 20 Americans will spend time in prison during their lifespan. The numbers speaks for themselves. Currently there are an estimated 2 million people in U.S. federal and state prisons. Given the unprecedented rise of individuals now involved with the American criminal justice system and the soaring rates or recidivism, there is a great need for systemic changes…

Words 1814 - Pages 8

The Right To Education, Prison University Partnerships, And Online Writing Pedagogy In The United States

Right to Education, Prison-University Partnerships, and Online Writing Pedagogy in the US is an article that focuses on whether or not prisoners should be able to have the opportunity to receive an education while they serve their sentence. It addresses the benefits, as well as some of the cons, that can develop from education rights; to the prisoners, as well as the community. The public and the educators are also addressed throughout this article. The controversy of whether or not education should…

Words 861 - Pages 4

Do You Think More Money Should Be Spent On Education Rather Than Prison

1. Are you happy with the prison system in the United States? Yes/No 2. Do you think more money should be spent on education rather than prison? 3. The food in public schools is the same grade and quality as the food in prisons, does this surprise you? Yes/No 4. Guantanamo Bay prisoners, many of which are terrorists, have better healthcare than most Americans. Do you think this is fair? Yes/No 5. Do you agree with the statement, “The prison system in the U.S. does a good job at…

Words 487 - Pages 2

Understanding Rhetorical Structures Essay

Understanding Rhetorical Structures B: Prisons should focus more on rehabilitation and education than on punishment. B: Prisons should focus more on rehabilitation and education than on punishment Understanding Rhetorical Structures To the Orlando Police Department and Orlando Federal Prison: As indicated by the research found, it is better to rehabilitate and educate a population of people rather than punish them for crimes committed. Even though they have…

Words 899 - Pages 4

American Prison System Research Paper

The American prison system is one that of a growing problem in the U.S with little to no progress for solutions. Problems arise such as rights of inmates whether if they are allowed to vote after being incarcerated and serving their time in prison. Then, should prisoners get the opportunity to get an education? Finally, what's the purpose of prisons should be striving for in America. Should prisoners be able to have the right to vote after serving their time in prison? Everyone has the right to…

Words 928 - Pages 4