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Since recidivism is the primary cause of the exploding prison population in Texas it is
helpful to understand what recidivism is. Texas defines recidivism as “the number of offenders
who are revoked from parole or probation to probation due to violations of law or the terms of
supervision” (Sunset Commission, 2007). This expanded supervision results in an increase in
recidivism. It is estimated “nearly two-thirds of all reincarcerations in 2000 were for technical
violations rather than new convictions” (Maxwell, 2005). It is estimated approximately 30% of
those released from prison will return to prison in less than three years. Adding to this is the
number of first-time offenders sent to prison for probation violations. The combination of parole
and probation revocation accounts for 55% to 60% of annual prison admissions (Sunset
Commission, 2007). According to the Sunset Commission (2007) of the Texas Legislature the
primary risk factors for recidivism are: Anti-social peer associations, substance abuse, lack of
problem solving and self control skills, lack of education and vocational skills, and negative
behavior regarding employment.
What does recidivism cost? The daily cost per inmate in prison is $40.00. A court ordered
residential treatment center is $68.00 a day (Sunset Commission, 2007). In 2005 Texas had
153,000 inmates with an annual cost of $2.2 Billion. 59,000 prisoners were released from TDCJ
in 2002 (Watson, 2004). Of the 59,000 prisoners released in 2002, 40,000 were returned to
prison for parole violations at a cost of $600 Million a year (Sunset Commission, 2007).
The following chart provides costs based on information found in Texas Legislature Sunset
Commission Report (2007):
The Windham School District (2007) is responsible for educating inmates and providing
vocational training. “Windham School District provides appropriate educational programs to
meet the needs of the eligible offender population, thus reducing recidivism by assisting
offenders in becoming productive members of society. Studies show that education and
employment reduce recidivism and save tax dollars. According to a study conducted by the
Texas Criminal Justice Policy Council (CJPC) in 2000, offenders with higher levels of education
have lower recidivism rates, and releasees who are employed have a lower recidivism rate than
those not employed.
Many of the offenders in the TDCJ lack the educational background and basic skills
necessary for attaining employment upon release. The typical Windham student functions below
the sixth grade level” (Windham School District, 2007).
Interviews with respondents reveal the education provided for a High School GED is
certainly available and, for those who did not graduate from High School, mandatory. The reality
is whether or not an inmate completes the required GED, they will still be released. Windham
has a series of courses on social skills, parenting, and reintegration into society. There are
courses on how to interview for a job and how to fill out a job application. The value of these
various courses is determined by the individual inmate’s use of them. A High School GED
issued by the Windham School District is recognized by most potential employers as
questionable at best. Usable vocational training providing marketable skills is a primary need
identified by the respondents.
Vocational training is provided in office support using computers and software no longer in
use by most companies. Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing
(CAD/CAM) courses use obsolete equipment and software. The respondents suggest inmates
need vocational courses approved by various unions in order for them to become licensed in an
appropriate apprentice program. Many of these programs are offered by the Windham School
District. The problem identified by most of the respondents is the courses are not offered at all
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