As an organization dedicated to advocating for reform in Missouri’s prison system, Missouri Prison Reform is persistently confronted with various issues impacting the justice system. Among these concerns, prison overcrowding and recidivism are two interconnected problems that demand immediate attention.
Prison overcrowding is a prevailing problem not only in Missouri but across the United States, which houses the highest incarcerated population worldwide. Overcrowding has led to many issues within the prison system, from exacerbating health crises to hindering the delivery of necessary rehabilitation services. In a confined, overcrowded environment, proper sanitation and healthcare become challenging to maintain.
Among many reasons for these conditions being a massive flaw in the prison system, the issue of disease and infection has reared its head. During the COVID-19 pandemic, crowded facilities became virus hotspots, underlining the urgency of reform. Overcrowding also affects the efficiency and allocation of rehabilitation programs. Due to a lack of space and resources, these programs – which are vital for successful reentry into society – often get sidelined. This failure in available rehabilitation services sets the stage for our second issue: Recidivism.
Recidivism, or the tendency of released prison residents to reoffend and return to prison, is a widespread issue within the criminal justice system. It’s often viewed as a revolving door, where individuals are caught in a continual cycle of imprisonment, release, and rearrest. A study by the Bureau of Justice in 2018 highlighted that five out of six state prison residents were rearrested within nine years of their release, illustrating a failed system. However, these high recidivism rates should not be viewed as people repeating the same mistakes. Instead, it’s critical to examine the societal and systemic barriers that contribute to recidivism. Ex-prison residents often face limited employment opportunities, difficulty securing housing, and societal stigma, which can pose significant challenges to their reintegration into society. These factors playing out in tandem with the national mental health crisis in America and reduced funding for mental health services, these factors create a perfect storm for recidivism.
Missouri Prison Reform believes that addressing prison overcrowding and recidivism requires comprehensive prison system reform. This involves not only a moral shift from punishment to rehabilitation but also substantial efforts to address wider societal issues. Investing in mental health services, improving rehabilitation programs within prisons, and supporting ex-prison residents in reintegrating into society are crucial steps towards reducing recidivism. Additionally, reevaluating sentencing laws and promoting non-custodial alternatives can mitigate prison overcrowding.
Overcoming the challenges of prison overcrowding and recidivism will not be an easy task. It requires not only structural reform but also a change in societal attitudes towards ex-prison residents. Missouri Prison Reform is committed to championing these changes, promoting a justice system that truly serves its purpose: rehabilitating individuals and creating a safer society for all.
Through our work, we hope to transform Missouri’s prisons, breaking the cycle of recidivism and creating a system that values second chances and rehabilitation over punishment. Join us in our mission and contribute to making Missouri’s criminal justice system one that truly upholds justice.
