1. MN County Attorney Association’s Crime Prevention Tip The MCAA strives to bring current information regarding prevention topics to its members. The August 2014 tip of the month is provided by the Office of Washington County Attorney Pete Orput on behalf of MCAA’s Community Outreach Committee on the topic of REINTEGRATION. The information is great for consideration in a newsletter, or on a website, or other communication/education purposes, etc.

2. Reintegration/Rehabilitation of offenders

3. What do we mean by Reintegration/Rehabilitation? The primary purpose of prison should be rehabilitation. It is in all our interests that prisoners return to the community with the skills and attitudes that will enable them to stay out of prison in the future. 95% of offenders who are incarcerated will ultimately be released into our communities.

4. Key Facts Steady employment is one of the best guarantees against re-offending Contact with – and support from family and community – are important for successful reintegration. Parole can act as a strong incentive for prisoners to work towards release Stigma attached to imprisonment can seriously damage the chance of rehabilitation and reintegration.

5. Let’s look at the numbers Minnesota has 11 facilities including a facility for juveniles, one for women and a “boot camp” for non-violent offenders. There are approximately, 9,000 offenders incarcerated. 93% males, 10 under age 18 and 17% are in for murder. New commitments per year: 5,200 Releases per year:7,800 74% of offenders who are released do not reoffend for three years following release.

6. Recent Efforts to Address Offender Recidivism http://www.doc.state.mn.us/PAGES/files/8913/8 142/3580/MCORP_Evaluation_Final_DOC_Websit e.pdf Department of Corrections Comprehensive Reintegration/Rehabilitation study. http://www.doc.state.mn.us/PAGES/files/8913/8 142/3580/MCORP_Evaluation_Final_DOC_Websit e.pdf Innovative Programming –Chemical dependency treatment, education, vocational training and even classes in cognitive thinking form the foundation of a programming regimen that is designed to keep offenders from committing new crimes after release.

7. Programs in prison and Local Jails that have proven effective in reducing recidivism rates Chemical Dependency Treatment programs Sentence to Service programs. Offenders give back to communities by working in parks and other public areas. Institution Community Work Crews. Offenders learn skills while building homes for low income residents. Comprehensive sex offender treatment programming is mandatory for predatory offenders. Faith based programs such as the Inter-Faith intiative held at MCF-Lino Lakes.

8. Effective Community Based Supervision Intensive Supervision for high risk offenders Electronic bracelets for tracking and maintaining safety. Community based supervision and other alternatives to incarceration. Alcohol and illicit drug monitoring. Alco-sensors installed in vehicles for chronically chemically dependent offenders.