If you don't work on the whole problem, you will never solve it ..

May 16, 2009

OPINION - Regarding the article previously posted on LACP written by Senator Jim Webb entitled "Why We Must Fix Our Prisons"

The overall general attitude toward felons in this country is not condusive to reducing the recidivism rate. Paying your debt to society often means a life sentence for most felons, even those convicted of non-violent crimes. Many parolees released from prison are banned from adequate and affordable housing and suitable employment just because they have a felony record. With such an unforgiving society, one doesn't need to marvel at the high recidivism rates throughout this country.

Providing adequate job training in prison often is a waste of the taxpayer's money, because many employers will not hire felons no matter what crime they were convicted of and no matter what skills or education they acquire in prison.  (This fact is now magnified by a high unemployment rate and illegal immigrants who are taking jobs ex-felons used to get.) Upon release many are faced with the dilemna of trying to find a job without housing or even worse trying to find housing without a job. Why spend the money training felons if no one will hire them?

Many non-violent offenders are convicted of drug related offenses related to drug addiction which is a true and treatable disease, just like alcholism, anorexia, or compulsive gambling. Many of those recovering from such addictions are plagued with this inability to obtain a decent job and maintain a reasonable standard of living. Some decided to make a quick buck through one illegal means or another. Some get caught up in a scam or simply were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. This does not mean upon their release from prison that they are a threat to society.

Though some would classify a felony a felony, there are significant differences in the types of crimes committed. Employers and landlords (including income based housing units) need to consider the type and nature of the felony conviction on the record before ruling a person out as a candidate for a job or an apartment. We would all like to live next door to Martha Stewart, wouldn't we? Just imagine daily access to all those great recipes and decorating tips!

One of the true keys to reducing recidivism is changing the attitude of and educating the American public regarding the payment of one's debt to society after committing a criminal offense. Those convicted of non-violent crimes deserve the opportunity to be considered for jobs, rent an apartment, and to erase the stigma surrounding their conviction within the communities. Without a change in the public perception of felons, the recidivism rate will continue to remain high, no matter how much money tax payers spend on the prison systems and rehabilitation for offenders.

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Ms. Sandra Nazemi holds an MS in Criminal Justice and Security Administration