Latest news with #prisoneducation
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Mobile prison used to teach children about crime
A mobile prison cell, complete with bunk beds and a metal toilet, is visiting primary schools to teach children about crime. The project, HMP Not-4-Me, was set up by former West Yorkshire Police officer Mick Amos who converted a van to look like a jail. He said allowing children to experience prison life can "inspire them to make good choices". During a visit to Crigglestone St James Academy in Wakefield, pupils were put through a mock custody procedure and 'locked up' for a few minutes. Year 6 pupil Ava said the cell was "disgusting" and being inside made her feel claustrophobic and anxious. "It was really sad to see all the cards and pictures on the walls and to think about not being able to see your friends and family," she said. As part of the interactive experience the children were issued with prison jumpers and had their fingerprints and photographs taken. Mr Amos, who also plays a police officer on Coronation Street, said the project was "not a scare tactic" and that targeting primary-age children was important. "Children can be arrested when they are 10 years old so they deserve to know about their responsibilities," he said. The project will visit 25 primary schools in Wakefield. It is being paid for by the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund which takes money seized from criminals in West Yorkshire and reinvests it into local organisations and community groups. Mr Amos said he saw "a lot of good people get steered down the wrong path" during his 11 years as a police officer. "Anyone can make a mistake and then there is a devastating impact on the person and also on their family and friends," he said. "Early intervention is key so I show them what it's like to have your freedom taken away and that can be really impactful." The portable prison is also taken into youth clubs, sports clubs and other organisations. During the sessions young people are given advice on drugs and alcohol as well as issues like sharing explicit images on social media and violence against women and girls. Mr Amos said no topic was "off limits". He added: "Obviously it's about engaging them and the kids do have a lot of fun but there is a serious message about social boundaries and the rule of law. "There is a lot of peer pressure with social media so we look at how the choices we make have consequences." Mission to tackle teenagers' 'trauma' with police Mayor's Safer Communities Fund
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tennessee should invest more in prison education. Here's why
Tennessee houses approximately 22,000 individuals in its prison system, and each year thousands are released to reintegrate into society. But while Tennessee has made strides in reducing its recidivism rate—now at a decade-low of 29.6%, as of 2023—the question remains: how can we continue this progress while saving taxpayer dollars? One solution is clear: investing in prison education. Recent research highlights education's critical role in reducing recidivism, improving employment prospects, and benefiting the broader economy. Yet, Tennessee ranks 16th in the nation for prison education programs, scoring 4.25 out of 7 in a recent Mackinac Center study. This suggests that Tennessee has room for improvement and even an opportunity to lead the nation. Expanding prison education isn't just the right thing to do; it's also a smart economic choice. With Tennessee spending an average of $111.53 per day, or over $40,000 annually, to house an inmate, and recidivism leading to increased incarcerations, taxpayers shoulder a burden of hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Reducing recidivism by even 10% could save the state tens of millions annually. According to our research, Are Schools in Prison Worth It? inmates participating in education programs are less likely to re-offend and more likely to secure employment upon release. Vocational training, for instance, can reduce recidivism by 9.4%, and college education yields a remarkable 27.7% decrease. These programs offer substantial returns on investment, saving taxpayer dollars by lowering reincarceration costs and increasing economic contributions through employment. Opinion: Gov. Bill Lee's first veto is smart on crime, and courageous Tennessee has already taken steps to reduce recidivism, such as implementing evidence-based programming and risk assessments. Expanding prison education builds on these important efforts, reallocating resources toward programs proven to break cycles of incarceration. A roadmap for improvement is laid out in our work, How States Can Improve Education Programs in Prisons, identifying four key policy recommendations: Automatic Enrollment: Mandating that inmates without a high school diploma or literacy proficiency be enrolled in education programs. This approach addresses the disproportionately low education levels among incarcerated individuals, a factor contributing to their struggles post-release. Centralized Administration: Establishing a dedicated state office to oversee prison education programs, ensuring quality and equitable access across facilities. Evidence shows that states with centralized oversight provide more comprehensive and consistent educational opportunities. Incentives for Completion: Offering sentence reductions for inmates who complete educational milestones creates a win-win scenario for the inmate and the state, reducing costs and increasing public safety. Research and Evaluation: Regular evaluations of prison education programs are needed to assess their effectiveness and report on key outcomes such as recidivism reduction, employment rates, and cost savings. Tennessee can use this data to ensure programs meet goals and guide future investments. These steps aren't theoretical. States like Ohio and California have made significant strides in implementing prison education programs, leading to measurable reductions in recidivism and improved post-release outcomes. Tennessee can join these leaders by prioritizing prison education as a cornerstone of its rehabilitation strategy. Beyond the statistics, prison education restores dignity and hope, equipping individuals to build better futures. It transforms lives by giving inmates the tools they need to break free from cycles of crime and poverty, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society. For Tennessee, this isn't just an investment in individuals; it's a commitment to safer neighborhoods, reduced taxpayer burdens, and a stronger economy. By reallocating resources to programs that work, Tennessee can lead the nation in effective rehabilitation and criminal justice reform. Ben Stickle is a Professor of Criminal Justice Administration and Steven Sprick Schuster is an Associate Professor of Economics, both at Middle Tennessee State University. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Prison education should be a priority in Tennessee | Opinion
