Jail Recidivism

In Hartford, WI, like many other cities throughout the world, there are flaws within the jail system. One of the most reoccurring problems is recidivism in jail systems. Even though a person cannot be forced to change their ways there are programs which can be helpful to help with developing good behavior. There are programs that help people right when they get out of jail. This is what the Hartford jail is focusing on, good behavior and reward. Using this strategy, the jail believes that inmates will learn that through good behavior comes good things and hopefully decrease violence and recidivism.
One of the programs focuses on a mentor-inmate relationship. Mentors are assigned to inmates and are there for them if they need to talk about
anything and to help them try and stay on track rather than falling back into old, bad habits. Hartford jail system is creating a program inside the jail that allows inmates to interact with those in the community and develop a positive relationship with someone outside of their normal friend group. The idea is to try and instill different habits or ways of life that do not involve violence, drugs, or other criminal activities. Through good behavior and signs of progress inmates have the opportunity to get into the early release program where they can sign to finish their sentence in a boot camp or the military instead of jail.
Secondly, dental care is a major problem in jailing systems all around the world.
Hartford is working on developing an organization where people can donate money in order for dentists to come in and volunteer to look at the inmate’s teeth. If inmates want work done on their teeth to fix problems or maintain hygiene they only have to pay for half of the total price. Once the organization starts to become more developed and more donations are able to be collected there is a good chance that many inmates could get dental care for free. At this point a reward system can be created where the more an inmate behaves the higher on the list for free dental care he or she can get.
When it comes to high risk inmates and putting them into the single cells due to bad behavior there have been problems of suicides and attempts. Hartford jail has come up with some possible ways to fix this or at least try and decrease the chances of this happening. One way to do this is put a two sided mirror in the room so that the inmates cannot see out of the cell, but guard’s can efficiently monitor inmates at all times. Keeping inmates safe and healthy is a big focus for the Hartford jail system and even though these are criminals they are still human, therefore they deserve a decent place to live out there sentence.
Overall, the jail system in Hartford, WI is trying its best to provide a safe, positive, and livable area for inmates to serve their time in hope of decreasing recidivism and increasing personal hygiene to help them after their jail
time.