Prison Education
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. Studies have shown educational programs beyond the high school level, including college courses and vocational training, better prepare prisoners for success in life once they are released. They enter society more prepared and motivated to work towards a better future. This project examines how well general, as well as individualized educational programs motivate prisoners to alter their behaviors while still in prison and to develop a desire to succeed in society once they have left prison. It also investigates rates of recidivism with respect to those inmates that have participated in educational programs. Adult and juvenile prisoners of both sexes were studied, within prison systems at the local, state, and federal levels in California. Evaluation of past and present programs is included as it relates to the correlation between education and the prison culture. National data is offered for comparison along with a survey of both pro and con arguments regarding educational programs in the prison system. It is hoped that data resulting from this study will provide a better understanding of prison culture and will offer more viable solutions for the successful implementation and/or alteration of education programs, subsequently reducing
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. Studies have shown educational programs beyond the high school level, including college courses and vocational training, better prepare prisoners for success in life once they are released. They enter society more prepared and motivated to work towards a better future. This project examines how well general, as well as individualized educational programs motivate prisoners to alter their behaviors while still in prison and to develop a desire to succeed in society once they have left prison. It also investigates rates of recidivism with respect to those inmates that have participated in educational programs. Adult and juvenile prisoners of both sexes were studied, within prison systems at the local, state, and federal levels in California. Evaluation of past and present programs is included as it relates to the correlation between education and the prison culture. National data is offered for comparison along with a survey of both pro and con arguments regarding educational programs in the prison system. It is hoped that data resulting from this study will provide a better understanding of prison culture and will offer more viable solutions for the successful implementation and/or alteration of education programs, subsequently reducing
References: 1. Silva, Walter. "A Brief History of Prison Higher Education in the United States." Miriam Williford, 17-31. Phoenix: The Oryx Press, 1994. 2. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Education and Correctional Populations. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/ecp.pdf (19 March 2009). 3. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Reentry Trends in the United States. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/reentry/reentry.htm (24 January 2009). 4. Bureau of Justice Statistics. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/reentry/recidivism.htm (5 February 2009). 5. Furillo, Andy. "Costs for new prison health program called 'staggering '." Sacremento Bee, 1 November 2008. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/v-print/story/1362022.html (18 February 2009). 6. Peshon, Randy, Lieutenant: Personal Communication, (23 March 2009). 7. Parker, Steve, Inmates Officer: Personal Communication, (23 March 2009). 8. Wilson, Anita, Ph.D. Anthropology: Personal Communication (2 February 2009) 9. Killpatrick, Paul, Ph.D. President of Lake Tahoe Community College: Personal Communication (February 13 2009) 10. CDCR. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Budget Overview. http://www.lao.ca.gov/handouts/crimjust/2009/CDCR_03_19_09.pdf (17 April 2009). 11. Kingsbury, Suzanne, Superior Court Judge: Personal Communication, (23 March 2009). 843 12. Harer, Miles D., Ph.D. Research Analyst, Recidivism Among Federal Prisoners Released in 1987. Federal Bureau of Prisons. http://www.bop.gov/news/research_projects/published_reports/recidivism/oreprrecid87.pdf (12 March 2009). 13. Burns, Weyland, Vocational Director/ Career Center Director: Personal Communication (14 April 2009) 14. Chapman, Owen, Tracy: Internship and Work Experience Coordinator Lake Tahoe Community College: personal communication, (20 March 2009). 844