Recidivism Linked to Criminal Justice System Failures

Recidivism is characterized by the National Institution of Justice as "criminal acts that resulted in rearrests, reconviction or return to prison with or without a new sentence during a three-year period following the prisoner's release" (NIJ.com). The concept of recidivism is a significant component in the domain of the Criminal Justice system.

Researchers, including Ingrid Binswanger, contend that recidivism is a direct result of failures in the incarceration system. Inmate returned to jail at alarming rates. (Binswanger)
Particularly, in the United States inmates lack proper support whilst transitioning from inmates to civilian life, they often endure psychological, financial, and social problems.

While facing imprisonment for extended time frames, offenders regularly build up an endurance mindset, a survival mentality. Albeit such mindsets can be viewed as aggressive, they can demonstrate recalcitrant in social circumstances, particularly while addressing employers and communicating with clients. Without employment, discharged offenders encounter financial problems. Because of a lack of income, they cannot afford a permanent residence, food, clothing, and medical needs. The steady danger of vagrancy, combined with an endurance mindset, can lead to offenders committing additional crimes, and a return to jail. Moreover, the incarceration system neglects to provide support while inmates are still in prison. The restrictions, corruption, and minimal education and drug rehab secure the possibility of returning offenders.