Reduce Recidivism Analysis

Khiaiya Jaggie

In Dr. Ed Latessa speech on effective correctional intervention, What Works and What Doesn’t in Reducing Recidivism: Designing More Effective Reentry Programs, he synthesizes research to conclude an evidence based discussion about trends in the corrections system. He addresses what works and also addresses many different points of views such as how to reduce recidivism in the correct way and also how to not reduce recidivism in a correct way. Latessa admits that yes, some rehabilitation efforts to reduce recidivism can be effective but it is not a “one size fits all” deal. Everyone has different needs and different variables in how they should be treated. He covers several different variables and ways we can correctly reduce recidivism.

Focus on the offenders who pose a greater threat of continuing crime. Time should be spent on higher risk offenders versus spending time trying to focus treatment on lower risk offenders.There are two types of offenders, acute and stable. An acute risk factor means they can change quickly and stable means they take longer to change. Intensive treatment for lower risk offenders can cause pro-social disruption, more violations, and can lead to anti-social activity. Latessa explains how we shouldn't treat offenders for thing that do not link to them. Don’t treat someone who is a heavy drug user with a treatment built for people with anger issues. When the correctional system places these low risk offenders in programs meant for high risk offenders, it reduces the chances of it being effective because it doesn’t apply to that particular offender hence the “one size fits all” idea, it’s very ineffective. Latessa also spoke on many other reasons that causes recidivism treatment