Fifty Sixth Visit to Taft

Before I visited Ron this week I talked with an old friend of his, a man who had been imprisoned in the 1990's. He told me a story about a study of recidivism that was done at his federal camp which got me interested in researching more about prison studies. Most prison studies focus on how to prevent recidivism. There are so many opinions on this, it's amazing. Some studies show that faith based programs in prison reduce recidivism. Other studies show that it does nothing. Some studies show that educational programs in prison reduce recidivism, others show that education does very little. Another popular program in prisons today is the drug program, but statistics do not show that they reduce recidivism either. So what's the answer? As usual, there's lots of questions but no answers.

My common sense tells me that treating inmates with respect and trying to improve their self esteem would be a good start, but unfortunately that is not the case. I have been talking to a rabbi whose life work is helping Jewish inmates (and Jews in the military) stay connected with their Jewish roots, their families, and to fight off anti-semitism. So many men lose their way while in prison, succumbing to gangs for protection. They leave prison unprepared for the world that awaits them, thus end up back in jail in a short time. The enormous cost of incarceration means that our society must look at other answers for those that break the law. Let's see what those in charge come up with.

One thing that does seem to decrease recividism is an inmate knowing his release date. A study shows that the chance for reoffending is greater in those who are uncertain the amount of time they will spend in prison. Those that knew specifically how long they would be incarcerated did better in prison and after release. The study does not tell why this is so.

I reconfirmed this with Ron today. Those men that know when they are going to be released have a much easier time. Their days are spent planning the future and figuring out how to make a new life for themselves. Those that don't have a release day are anxious, working with lawyers on how to get a definite date, in short they are uncertain of their future. Although Ron still doesn't have an exact date, he has a worst case scenario date. He knows his exact date will probably be earlier. Thus, he's busy making plans for his release. Today he made a list of the foods he has missed and wants to eat right away.

The list included steak (barbequed at home), rare hamburger, barbequed beef ribs and french fries. He says the list is beef oriented because he hasn't had beef in such a long time. I'm cranking up the barbeque and getting ready to cook a beautiful rare ribeye, french fries and a wedge salad with blue cheese dressing. That will be a nice homecoming dinner.