RE-ENTRY: An option that works

Deborah Rose’s My Turn column proves that re-entry centers don’t work. As she stated, the IDOC needs to work on rehabilitation from day one of incarceration.

A self-sufficient prison is defined as a correctional facility which seeks to reduce the human, environmental and economic costs of prison. These types of prisons exist worldwide and have proven significant drops in recidivism rates. We should realize the value of the workforce we have at our disposal in our prisons.

Idaho has the 13th highest incarceration rate in the nation and outpaces all six neighboring states. Policymakers have increased funding for prisons at a faster rate than funding for K-12 education. Thirteen states were successful in both reducing their prison populations and prison costs in recent years. Idaho policymakers should be proactive in researching how these states succeeded, thus taking the burden off the taxpayer. (http://idahocfp.org)

Being given the personal responsibility of a job in prison has the potential for prisoners to increase self-respect as well as respect for others. It would instill a sense of community, reality and independence, three aspects which are key to the rehabilitation of inmates.

Two steps needed to break the cycle of criminality are individual empowerment and work release employment. The job and life skills that inmates learn through farming, teamwork, time management and having responsibility can be applicable to any type of future work. Work performed by inmates would allow them access to these programs while incarcerated.

Investing in prison education programs will create long-term economic benefits. Policymakers and the public must acknowledge that an inmate’s success and independence depends largely on financial stability which comes from relevant job training while incarcerated. Give the responsibility to the inmates and relieve the taxpayers of this burden.

JoANN LOKKEN

Coeur d’Alene