Push back on unproductive and inaccurate uses of recidivism stories and statistics.
Prison Policy Initiative updates for February 24, 2025 Exposing how mass incarceration harms communities and our national welfare
New guide and upcoming webinar: Challenging myths about recidivism [[link removed]]
by Wanda Bertram
Decision-makers often cite worries about recidivism as a primary reason to oppose criminal legal system reforms. These worries are caused by both the concept of the "revolving door" of incarceration and by politicians' fears that a single violent recidivism event will hurt them politically. The realities of recidivism, though, are complex, and the more advocates know about the facts of how many people return to prison and what those numbers mean, the better equipped they can be to help politicians make informed decisions about policy.
Earlier this month, we released a new guide [[link removed]] to recidivism statistics and their history, and how advocates for decarceration can challenge the way these flawed statistics are used to undermine their efforts. The new guide covers:
The history of the "Willie Horton Effect," why the power of political backlash against reform is overhyped, and how advocates should respond when lawmakers are swayed by isolated stories of recidivism. The different types of recidivism metrics and what they mean, how and why to be cautious about commonly-cited statistics, and the role of "technical" probation and parole violations and minor offenses in driving recidivism. Recidivism statistics related to people convicted of violent/sexual offenses, in the context of common arguments for "carving out" these individuals from criminal legal reforms. How advocates can push lawmakers to consider other metrics of post-release success besides recidivism, focusing on a person's quality of life and contributions to their community.
We'll also be hosting a webinar at 1 PM EST on Wednesday, March 19 [[link removed]], where our policy and advocacy team, Sarah Staudt and Emmett Sanders, will discuss pushing back against unproductive and inaccurate uses of recidivism stories and statistics. Advocates, journalists, and members of the public are invited to attend.
Register here [[link removed]]
Please support our work [[link removed]]
Our work is made possible by private donations. Can you help us keep going? We can accept tax-deductible gifts online [[link removed]] or via paper checks sent to PO Box 127 Northampton MA 01061. Thank you!
Other news: Cut-rate care: The systemic problems shaping 'healthcare' behind bars [[link removed]]
Why is healthcare behind bars so bad and how did it get that way?
In this brand new report [[link removed]], we take a deep dive into healthcare in prisons and jails to explain how facilities prioritize cutting costs and avoiding accountability at the expense of patient care.
Federal prison rules push for “financial responsibility” while impoverishing people [[link removed]]
The federal Bureau of Prisons is trying to push through new rules that would take money from thousands of incarcerated people who struggle to meet their basic daily needs.
In this new blog post [[link removed]], we explain why these rules are so misguided and how the agency can prioritize real financial responsibility.
Please support our work [[link removed]]
Our work is made possible by private donations. Can you help us keep going? We can accept tax-deductible gifts online [[link removed]] or via paper checks sent to PO Box 127 Northampton MA 01061. Thank you!
Our other newsletters Ending prison gerrymandering ( archives [[link removed]]) Criminal justice research library ( archives [[link removed]])
Update your newsletter subscriptions [link removed].
You are receiving this message because you signed up on our website [[link removed]] or you met Peter Wagner or another staff member at an event and asked to be included.
Prison Policy Initiative [[link removed]]
PO Box 127
Northampton, Mass. 01061
Web Version [link removed] Unsubscribe [link removed] Update address / join other newsletters [link removed] Donate [[link removed]] Tweet this newsletter [link removed] Forward this newsletter [link removed]
You are receiving this message because you signed up on our website or you met Peter Wagner or another staff member at an event and asked to be included.
Prison Policy Initiative
PO Box 127 Northampton, Mass. 01061
Did someone forward this to you? If you enjoyed reading, please subscribe! [[link removed]] Web Version [link removed] | Update address [link removed] | Unsubscribe [link removed] | Share via: Twitter [link removed] Facebook [[link removed] Email [link removed]
