Episode 8: Recidivism -Why? Challenges and benefits of eliminating the culture of repeated criminal and antisocial behavior patterns in the USA.

Recidivism refers to a person's return to state or federal custody, after the person has already served time for a previous crime. A U.S. Sentencing Commission report on recidivism among federal prisoners, released on January 24, 2019, showed that nearly 64% of prisoners who had been convicted of violent offenses were arrested within eight years compared with about 40% of those convicted of nonviolent offenses.

Meanwhile, the process of remanding folks to custody is supposed to be a form of “rehabilitation.” But the numbers don’t lie. The US prison system was established roughly around 1891. The recidivism rate leads one to wonder why we keep doing the same thing if it doesn’t yield the intended result, or does it?

Some would say that criminals need to be kept off the street for the safety of our society. But what does that really mean? If remanding offenders into state and federal prisons worked, why would there be such a high rate of recidivism rate?

Just like the truth, this challenge is layered. It impacts the quality of life for all Americans, not just former offenders and their families. Our guest today Dav Lewis will help to unpack recidivism and why it’s not as simple as locking up chronic offenders.

Dav is the Founder and Executive Director of 2nd Chances.Life. Dav is a growing power house of talent and heart. His talent in acting, directing, and producing have made him uniquely well positioned to bring a voice to voiceless communities.

He has appeared in several films, television, and marketing ad campaigns through his career. You may recognize him from his latest work, 2nd Chances, an award winning documentary inspired by real-life experiences and events. As an avid activist and entrepreneur, Lewis is engaged in causes and programs that expand opportunities as well as empower underprivileged individuals across America. Additionally, Lewis’s businesses are strategically aligned with this mission of raising awareness to social issues affecting voiceless communities.

To learn more about 2nd Chances’ services, donate, or volunteer please visit our website http://www.2ndchances.life or contact us at (310) 893-9114.
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