The notion that one size fits all is a misnomer when it
comes to inmate reintegration programs. Reentry programs
that were formulated for male inmates have often proven
ineffective in dealing with the unique physical, emotional,
and social challenges faced by an ever-increasing population
of female inmates. New programs have been developed for
female offenders, but do they successfully solve these gender
issues? Do they really help female inmates succeed post-release?
These questions are the focus of this issue’s cover story.
Studies highlighted in the article deal with various female-oriented
programs and demonstrate that an individualized approach
helps female prisoners to reintegrate into society and avoid
reincarceration.
Technologies are changing the face of today’s society,
and the Department of Justice and NIJ are both committed
to providing the latest improvements to law enforcement
officers. One such innovation is the Voice Response Translator
(VRT). Developed with funding from NIJ, the VRT is a pocket-sized
device that allows officers to speak immediately to non-English
speaking subjects. This hands-free device, which can be
programmed to repeat an officer’s commands in a foreign
language, enables officers to speak to non-English speaking
persons without the aid of a translator. NIJ is also developing
several other technologies through its National Center for
Law Enforcement and Corrections Training Center (NLECTC)
system. These developments include equipment that detects
trace amounts of illicit drugs on inmate mail, a program
that enables previously incompatible data systems to communicate
with one another, and a crime mapping computer program that
helps pinpoint a likely offender’s residence based on crime
locations and patterns.
A focused study of particular crimes also goes a long way
toward preventing victimization and deterring future criminal
conduct. For example, understanding what draws a person
into the lucrative but fleeting lifestyle of a telemarketing
predator sheds light on how these organizations operate
and how they ultimately can be detected and prosecuted.
And uncovering the uncomfortable truth that modern day slavery
is alive and well and thriving in many countries—including
our own—is necessary if we are to isolate indicators of
such conduct and ultimately eradicate the practice.
Sarah V. Hart
Director, National Institute of Justice