Do you think a convicted felon will change?

Answer 1

It doesn’t matter whether we choose to accept or deny it; recidivism is a major problem for our prison system and society. Too many of the prisoners released every year will just end up back in prison. If we want to start to fix the problem, we must first ask ourselves this question; “what causes criminals to return to crime once they are released from prison?” Some would answer this question by saying that criminals are just that, criminals, and no matter what we do or how much we try and help, we can’t do anything but expect them to go back to what they know. This is not an acceptable answer. The only things this type of attitude fosters are excuses and reasons for criminals to go back to crime. A California study of prison education found that 29.9% of prisoners who did not attend college course while incarcerated returned to prison. Of the prisoners who attended college courses, only 7.7% recidivated. That’s almost 4 times less, simply by giving prisoners a means to be better prepared and qualified to get decent jobs and become functional, productive citizens in our workforce. A similar study by the University of Utah found that the recidivism rate fell by 10% for those who were in an educational program. In 2001 almost 400,000 men and women were released from prison, either having completed their sentence or being released on parole. 29.9% of 400,000 is roughly 120,000 people. That’s the number of criminals released in 2001 that committed more crimes against our citizens and ended up back in prison, due in a large part to the fact that they have no education. However, if we educated these criminals and pushed reintegration into our communities more than we did the “just keep them away from us” ideal, that number would have dropped to approximately 28,000. A major question in the debate over prison education is “why should we pay for criminals to receive educations when it’s hard enough for us to pay for our own children’s educations?” Statistics show that by simply educating criminals we can drop the recidivism rate by 22.2%. Sure we could take that money and put it into our communities and forsake the convicted for what they are. But does pretending that there isn’t a problem really make it disappear? We all know the answer to that question is “no.” In fact, educating criminals actually costs taxpayers less. For every 100 prisoners we educate, every two years we will save $900,000. That’s $450,000 a year our government could use to improve communities, schools or give back to us, the taxpayers.

Bottom line is that while studies show that they CAN change, all to often today they have no MEANS TO CHANGE. No education or formal training leaves criminals even farther behind then when they got out. Which, clearly, leads right back into crime. We need to educate them so they have choices besides slanging, pimping, stealing and killing.

Answer 2

Statistically, odds are against it. Most criminals end up back in the system. I believe the percentage is over 80%.

However, it ultimately depends on the nature of the individual. Violent offenders are even more likely to return to jail.

In my own personal experience I would say that the best thing for that person is the support of loved ones. Your sense of self worth and self image are destroyed by being labeled as a convict. This is the hardest part to overcome. Not to mention the difficulty of getting a job to get money and find a way out of the vicious circle.

But of course, there is always a chance for anyone who has the will to change.

If you stay clean, show up for probation, pay the fines and court costs, as well as complete any and all other requirements, you CAN make it through. If they make it this far, they have already beat the odds.

I am 32. When I was 19 I was charged, served 1 year in jail, and 2 on probation. I never graduated, so I got my G.E.D. while incarcerated, got a time cut, and even scored in the top 1%. I went on to college and have a B.S. in business with a 3.5 GPA. I have never been in any trouble since, except 1 ticket for speeding. I am a father, married to a teacher, and I manage a restaurant.

Don't give up on people. All you can do is try to be a positive force in their life. If they choose to continue down the wrong path all you can do is be there to try to help them find their way. If everyone gives up on you, you definately will give up on yourself.

Answer 3

I am a law enforcement officer, and I have met a CHANGED convicted Felon. A leader of society who I personally believe has overcome his past and leads a good and moral life.

Answer 4

It is possible for anyone to change. But I think only a small percentage of convicted felons actually WILL change.

I also don't think its a good idea to make premature assumptions about an individual. Give him a chance to prove himself, and he may surprise you.

Answer 5

I believe everyone has a chance to, but statistics show otherwise.
It really depends on the individual. They have to want to change for them to even have a chance.
Good question and good luck!

Answer 6

Anything is possible. If they give their life over to Christ, and live for him they can change for the better. If they want to change they can. It depends on how bad they want it. I've known people that had done really bad things, and then they decided to live for God and they were a different person. So, it depends on how bad he/she wants to change.

Answer 7

They do all the time its just you dont hear about those. The only ones who make the news are the ones that keep on committing crimes in and out of jail.

Answer 8

depends on if he actually learned his/her lesson. (which kinda boils down to the knowing what is right or wrong concept.) As with anything, the only way to know is that as time passes the true person will emerge and you will know in time if this person truely is sincere with their changed ways!

BE VERY CAREFUL!!!!

Answer 9

I believe it's up to the individual, everyone deserves a second chance

Answer 10

change what?...his underwear?
then yes