LOCKED IN A BAD SYSTEM

The only surprise in a new report on prison recidivism is why states
haven't stopped the revolving door long before now.

All the money spent over the last 30 years to build more prisons to deter
criminals hasn't deterred their crimes, according to an exhaustive Justice
Department study. The largest study ever done in the United States on
recidivism shows state prisons as little better than temporary rest stops
for inmates on their way to the next crime.

Having examined 272,111 former inmates in 15 states, the researchers
discovered that 67% of inmates released in 1994 committed another serious
crime within three years. That's worse by 5% than 1983 when states began to
build and open more prisons.

Bricks and mortar may lock up more criminals, but they do nothing to keep
former offenders from repeating a crime when they get out. Inmates have
little opportunity to acquire skills. Their drug and alcohol addictions
aren't addressed. They receive no preparation for life back in the free
world. Only 15% of state inmates take academic or rehabilitation classes;
in many states, including Tennessee, there is little attempt at
rehabilitation. The study shows that inmates with previous incarcerations
were increasingly more likely to get in trouble again and return.

States say they can't afford the cost of teaching or rehab. Yet, Tennessee,
for example, spent $350 million in the last 20 years building and expanding
prisons. State officials are discussing where to build another.

Some of that money would have been better invested in helping inmates who
are released get on their feet. Two-thirds of inmates rearrested are caught
within the first year of their release. State officials must also consider
the cost not just to taxpayers but to homeowners and businesses: Robbers
and burglars had the highest recidivism at 70% and 74% respectively.

Rehabilitation programs, education classes, drug treatment and release
follow-up can be had for a fraction of the cost of a new prison. States
should learn, and so should prisoners.