What Happened?
A recent study from the RAND Corporation revealed evidence supporting prison education programs as a means to reduce crime rates by helping prisoners stay out of jail once they are released back into the community. The report found prisoners that took part in correctional education programs were 43 percent less likely to serve time again compared to inmates who did not participate.
The Goal
The United States has the largest incarcerated population in the world, which suggests room for improvement in prison reform and a need to reduce populations of expensive inmates. By creating programs that teach inmates skills that can be translated into the workforce, local and federal governments can help ward off repeat offenders and reduce the number of prisoners within facilities.
While education programs in prison would help those incarcerated obtain knowledge to make the transition back into the community easier, these initiatives have been difficult to implement. The U.S. Government Accountability Office reported the number of inmates seeking to participate in basic literacy programs was almost the same as the number of people enrolled in the programs. Comparably, the number of inmates engaged in a post-secondary prison education program is about 90 percent less than basic literacy nationwide, indicating a drastic need in academic investments.
Why School Works
Education and vocation programs lower recidivism rates and improve job opportunities for recently released inmates, which can have a significant financial impact on local economies. The RAND Corporation’s report indicated every $1 investment in prison education programs could result in a $4 or $5 reduction in incarceration rates in the first three years after inmates are released. The data also revealed:
- Employment rates after release for inmates who received educational training was 13 percent higher
- Participants of prison vocational training were 28 percent more likely to find a job after release
- Cost of an education program ranges $1,400-$1,744 per inmate
- Reduction in incarceration costs when education programs are launched ranges $8,700-$9,700 less per inmate
Furthermore, the demand for education and vocation training in prison is high, as the data showed 36 percent of state prison inmates had not acquired a high school diploma compared to 19 percent of the general U.S. population over the age of 16. A lack of vocational skills also makes it difficult for inmates to reenter society, which can encourage recidivism and a return to crime.
Make It Happen
To help cash-strapped governments implement education programs in prison, organizations such as the Vera Institute of Justice are working together to provide financial and technical assistance to correctional facilities lacking training initiatives. The projects provide access to higher education for inmates as well as supportive reentry services to reduce recidivism and increase post-release employment opportunities. State governments partner with nonprofit organizations to develop the education and vocation training system that starts in prison and continues after release. The goal of the programs is for a higher percentage of inmates to participate, acquire a degree or certification, become employed after release and avoid repeat offenses.
Tackling Crime
Gov1 has followed other strategies to reduce crime including adoption of new technology and better use of mobile resources.