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The U.S. corrections system is at a crossroads, grappling with high recidivism rates and the growing need for a shift from punitive approaches to more rehabilitative and supportive measures. By integrating data-driven applications and fostering relationships between inmates and corrections staff, there’s potential to reform how jails and prisons operate. This not only aims to better assess risks but also to ensure the safety of both correctional officers and incarcerated individuals, preparing them for a successful reintegration into society.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley welcomes Dr. Brian Lovins, a criminology expert and principal at Justice System Partners, and past president of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). Dr. Lovins discusses the application of data-driven technologies in corrections and emphasizes the importance of relationship-building in rehabilitation. The conversation delves into how corrections agencies can use these tools to ensure safety, facilitate rehabilitation and prepare inmates for life after release.
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Memorable quotes from this episode
- “95% of the people who go to jail or prison come out. How do we create an environment where when they come back to the community, they’re actually coming back in better situations?”
- “We created these no-frill prisons. We found actually that’s the only time in our history that people left prison and reoffended at higher rates than lesser rates.”
- “If we want to keep people from hurting people, we need to bring them into the community and integrate them in and say look you’re a valuable person here and we’re not going to let you fail.”
- “For people to change they have to have a relationship with the person that’s designed or standing there to help them change.”
- “We’ve got to rethink the role isn’t to referee people and catch them failing but the role is to help them stay on the field and win.”
Key takeaways from this episode
- Data-driven approaches: Leveraging data not just for monitoring but also for creating personalized rehabilitation programs can help reduce recidivism and support reintegration.
- The importance of relationships: Building meaningful relationships between inmates and staff can enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts, moving beyond a strictly punitive system.
- Beyond punishment: Shifting focus from solely punishing to actively preparing inmates for life outside can alter the typical outcomes of incarceration.
- Integration of technology: Utilizing technology like AI for monitoring and support can provide new pathways for both preventing crime and supporting inmates’ adjustment to life after prison.
- Barriers to reintegration: Addressing systemic barriers that prevent formerly incarcerated individuals from securing employment and participating fully in society is crucial for lowering rates of recidivism.
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