Editor’s note: In a profession that rarely slows down, carving out time to read, reflect and talk with others can be a powerful way to recharge. The Corrections1 Book Club series is about more than reviewing titles — it’s about starting conversations that help us think differently, share experiences and support each other through the challenges of the job. Each selection will include reviews, excerpts and discussion questions to guide meaningful conversations in your facility or among peers. What book should we read next? Share your ideas in the comments or email editor@corrections1.com.
Book: “The Science of Second Chances: A Revolution in Criminal Justice”
Authors: Jennifer Doleac
Order: Available on Amazon
When we think about crime and criminals, we often think only of the victims. When considering those who committed the offense, or are alleged to have done so, many people have a “lock them up and throw away the key” mindset. It’s no surprise, then, that the United States incarcerates individuals at a rate nearly four times higher than many other countries, with a staggering 580 per 100,000 people held in the nation’s jails and prisons. That translates to approximately 2.2 million people incarcerated and more than 4.7 million under some other form of supervision within the criminal justice system as of early 2026.
In her book, “The Science of Second Chances,” author, economist and vice president of criminal justice at Arnold Ventures Jennifer Doleac brings a perspective that challenges the way we understand reform and the opportunities that lie ahead to truly help those within the system, strengthen families and build communities while pursuing alternatives that result in better outcomes.
Over the decades, there have been countless attempts to determine the causes of criminal behavior, the effects it has on society and alternatives to incarceration. How can people be held accountable while upholding the rights of all citizens? How can broken initiatives be aligned when goals for reform are inconsistent, political and poorly communicated? There is no simple answer, and often even the best solutions do not work overall. Taking a deep dive into the economics of criminal behavior and criminal justice reform policy, the author uses an unbiased, scientific approach while keeping the reader engaged with a narrative that is educational and easy to follow.
Ban the Box
Using sound research and a unique approach, several topics surrounding reform policies were studied, tested and evaluated using random and control groups in natural experiments to gather statistical evidence and determine what worked and what did not. These studies were conducted throughout the United States as well as around the world. For example, Ban the Box, worked to remove the checkbox on job applications asking whether a prospective employee had ever been convicted of a crime. The idea was to reduce bias and stigma from potential employers who might otherwise dismiss applicants based solely on a criminal record. In turn, applicants would have a more level playing field and be evaluated based on job-related criteria.
Though well-intentioned, researchers found that Ban the Box sometimes hurt the applicants it was intended to help. Some employers were inclined to make assumptions about whether an individual had a criminal record. As a result, employment opportunities decreased for some of the people the initiative was designed to assist.
Post-release supervision
Experiments were conducted to determine whether community supervision, such as probation or parole, offered better outcomes and reduced post-release criminal behavior. Some individuals were placed on supervision with strict requirements, including increased check-ins, meetings and drug testing, while others received a lighter-touch, less restrictive approach.
At first glance, it might appear that strict rules and a “someone is always watching you” approach would benefit both the offender and the community. However, through rigorous study and statistical analysis across multiple jurisdictions and populations, researchers found the opposite. Offenders were often incarcerated for technical violations, such as missing a meeting due to a lack of transportation, resulting in setbacks including the loss of employment or housing. Providing greater flexibility and allowing individuals to learn from minor mistakes rather than returning them to custody often produced better outcomes.
These are just two examples of well-intended ideas that require further study to determine whether they truly work overall, whether they need adjustment or whether they should be discarded entirely. At the conclusion of the book, the author summarizes the previous chapters while exploring thoughtful, forward-looking ideas about how we can do better through strong evidence-based research. Understanding that there will be failures, and that failure is part of the process, is essential if we hope to identify what works and measure success. The goal is to provide people with a true second chance through open-minded strategies and preventative approaches implemented before they need that second chance. This is the “why.”
Throughout the book, numerous researchers are cited along with summaries of their studies and statistical analyses. This approach reinforces the author’s commitment to providing readers with multiple viewpoints from a community of people striving to create positive change by understanding, though not excusing, the behavior of those within our criminal justice system.
I would recommend this book to those responsible for creating policy, the decision-makers who implement it and the boots on the ground who work most closely with individuals in the system.