Center for Prison Reform Newsletter

CPR Newsletter
September 25, 2014

Hello <<First Name>>,

In this week's newsletter, we begin by taking a look at the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2013, H.R.3465, and why the reforms and reentry services it facilitates are important to our cause. After recently sharing news of a program that asked prisoners to design their own prison, take it a step further with an article on a very unique prison proposal taking off in our nation's capital.

In addition, dive into the world of prison gangs and the surprisingly vital role they play in governing the social order of inmates across the country with a review of a new book by David Skarbek, learn about the different ways recidivism is measured and the complications it causes. In our video of the week, learn about life behind bars from a man brave enough to go undercover in what he calls "Convict Land".

Finally, don't forget to join us on October 1st for the next Center For Prison Reform weekly call-in from 2-2:30PM EST. All are welcome; dial (605) 562-3140 and use the participant code 408388#.

Edwina Rogers

Edwina Rogers
Government Affairs Fellow
Center for Prison Reform

Why We Need a Second Chance

H.R.3465 and its identical Senate counterpart S.1690 are important pieces of legislation that will fund, extend, and expand on critical reentry programs and services throughout the country. The Center For Prison Reform supports these bills and is actively working to secure their passage.

Read the full letter

Could a new venture CURE our penal system?

An Unusual Prison Proposition

CURE, a large organization of former inmates, has its eyes set on a private prison in Washington D.C. as a possible location for a unique idea: a prison run by released prisoners. With costs, incarceration rates, and abuses plaguing the U.S. penal system, is it time for a fresh look at lockup?

Could this be the CURE?

Book Review: Social Order in the Underworld

David Skarbek's new book examines the inner workings of prison gangs and how they govern the American penal system. While one might think leaving order inside a prison at the hands of a gang is unwise, Skarbek shows that these groups are more than meets the eye.

How prison gangs have become sophisticated organizations

Measuring Recidivism

The success of the prison system and its various reforms is most often measured in recidivism rates. However, a new report points out that the methods for calculating recidivism vary wildly from prison to prison, especially when juvenile offenders are involved. With funding and the wellbeing of inmates at stake, should recidivism measurements be standardized?

What is the right equation?

Video of the Week

Watch Alexander Reynolds talk about his experiences as an undercover inmate in our video of the week. In this interview with Lip TV, Reynolds shares his personal experiences and talks about his new book on the subject as well as reform, education, recidivism, and more.

Going undercover in 'Convict Land'