A new study released Tuesday by the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that three-in-four former prisoners in 30 states were arrested within five years of release.
Additionally, an estimated two-thirds of approximately 405,000 prisoners released in 30 states in 2005 were arrested for a new crime within three years of release from prison.
The findings were taken from a sample of former prison inmates from 30 states who were tracked over the course of five years following release in 2005.
According to the data, 37 percent of prisoners arrested within five years of release were arrested in the first 6 months after release, while more than half were arrested by the end of the first year.
The study demonstrates the importance of combating recidivism and preparing offenders for reentry into society through evidence-based reentry programming that targets and treats criminal behaviors.
By changing criminal behavior and not merely punishing criminal behavior, offenders will have a better chance of maintaining a life free of crime. At GEO Reentry-run day reporting centers, participants are required to undergo a, intensive multi-phase program that includes day reporting, cognitive behavioral therapy and employment-readiness training services.
Participants are held accountable for their actions and are closely monitored with daily check-ins, drug and alcohol testing and case management.
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You can read the BJS study in full here, including methodology and additional findings.