Topic of Interest

Olivia Burd

Professor Beauzil

September 22, 2024

Topic of Interest

The topic that I have chosen for my research study is how rehabilitation in prison or lack thereof influences the percentage of recidivism. I know that, as a whole, most prisons in the United States don’t have any practices that promote rehabilitation, but other countries do. For the research that comes from the United States, I plan to focus on Florida rather than the whole country. I am choosing to focus on Florida because I currently live here, and unfortunately it has become known for it’s high rate of criminal activity. When looking at rate of recidivism I want to focus on Norway; they have become known for their rehabilitation programs within their prison systems. I want to use the statistics I find about Norwegian recidivism rates, and compare it to those in Florida. I think this will paint a beautiful picture as to if rehabilitation lowers recidivism and if rehabilitation practices actually work.

Here in the United States we have an issue of prison overcrowding and punishment rather than rehabilitation. For years people have discussed why this is an issue, but it seems that nobody dives further into the problem and the connection between overcrowding and rehabilitation. I have been able to connect the dots in the fact that prisons are becoming too crowded because the criminals reoffend and come right back, along with first time offenders. My hope is that when putting numbers and statistics side-by-side with those of Norway, it will be eye opening in the fact that some rehabilitation practices in prison may help our problems.

I have always been fascinated with the prison system, but this topic is of interest to me because the criminal mind is also fascinating. Part of my reasoning behind this research is that I think the criminals in the U.S. aren’t given a fair second chance to do better. As a society, we make it very difficult for criminals to integrate back into society once they are released from prison, it seems like the least we could do is help them out while they’re still in prison. Based on documentaries that I have watched in the past, some criminals reoffend because it is easier to sit in prison than it is to find their place in society. I understand that these people broke the law, but if they have the opportunity to be free, I think we should be setting them up for success rather than failure. I hope that my research can prove that rehabilitation aids in lowering the rate of recidivism. I am hoping that the percentage rates from Norway are able to defend the claim that I am making here. My goal in sharing my research findings on this topic is in hopes that it inspires change within the prison system. I hope it can make others have some sympathy for the individuals who just “can't seem to stay out of prison”, and I hope others can see why rehabilitation might be more beneficial than just punishment.

Sources:

Bloomberg L. P. (Producer), & . (2018). How Norway Changed Prison. [Video/DVD] Bloomberg L. P. Retrieved from https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/how-norway-changed-prison

Singh, A. (2023). Rehabilitation programs and their relationship to recidivism in florida jails opinions of rehabilitation staff (Order No. 30688099). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2902803619). Retrieved from http://proxy.library.nyu.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fdissertations-theses%2Frehabilitation-programs-their-relationship%2Fdocview%2F2902803619%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D12768

New study published regarding Florida’s prisoner release Reoffender Law. Office of The State Attorney, Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida. (2019). https://www.flsa6.gov/New-study-published-regarding-Florida-s-Prisoner-Release-Reoffender-law-1-11806.html#:~:text=In%20Florida%2C%20the%20recidivism%20rate,than%2010%25%20of%20inmates%20participate.