The Prison Gates Will Eventually Open

If I am to return to society, how would you want me to be?

Approximately 90% of the Massachusetts prisoners will (someday) be released to the community. In 1994, 3,763 prisoners were either paroled, general conduct discharged or released due to expiration of sentence. Over half of these releases were from behind the wall of maximum and medium prisons. Many of these prisoners returned to the communities of Boston, Springfield and Worcester. 55% of the 1994 releases were Caucasian and 13 prisoners were serving life sentences.

Unfortunately, the issues that plagued these individuals (i.e., drugs, alcohol and violence) and were contributing factors to the imprisonment received very little attention during the incarceration period. There are no concerted efforts by the authorities to encourage individuals to address these personal issues. Thus, one can expect a high return rate of the 1994 releases.

Men and women in prison are not being prepared to re-enter society, but the gates cannot remain closed forever. In addition to the lack of available programming, a large percentage of this group spent considerable time behind the walls of maximum and medium placement. No counseling, no money, no education and no plans for transition are administered from a locked down unit to your neighborhood.

The type of prison release has changed in the past few years in this state. In 1990, 1,848 prisoners were granted parole and 1,014 men and women were discharged or the sentence expired; whereas, in 1994, parole was received 1,337 times and 1,623 individuals were released through sentence expiration or discharge. Due to political concerns, release through parole has been reduced and it is more likely for the prisoner to be released on the very last day of the sentence, without supervision or safeguards.

As community members, one must be involved in the rehabilitation process before the offender is released. There are programs that work and are effective in reducing the return rate of ex-offenders. According to the Department of Corrections research department, the successful programs have been furloughs, education (i.e., Boston University), counseling and family projects. Why are all these programs now defunct or being eliminated?

The prison gates will eventually open. It is very important for the individual to possess more social skills than he had displayed in the past. Where will he learn this new attitude and who is responsible for teaching these lessons? Our society has suffered enough. An inept criminal justice system continues to imprison, but not provide treatment or support for a successful return.

If am to return to society, how would you want me to be?