“Encouraging Desistance Using Second Chance Mechanisms”

The title of this post is the title of this forthcoming book chapter authored by Isabella Polito and Colleen M. Berryessa. Here is its abstract:

High rates of recidivism in the age of mass incarceration have prompted efforts for more rehabilitative approaches to criminal justice that support desistance while balancing public safety concerns and the resulting political feasibility of such reforms.  Sentence reduction efforts, referred to as “second chance” mechanisms, encourage the use of new and existing practices to reduce incarcerated populations and encourage deterrence from criminal behavior and successful rehabilitation.  Presumptive parole, universal parole eligibility, granting good time credit, and the elimination of parole revocations for technical violations encourage the swift release of individuals upon being eligible for release, while the mechanisms of second-look sentencing, commutation, retroactive application of sentencing reforms, and compassionate release encourage institutional changes that support the release and recovery of incarcerated people.  Overall, this chapter addresses how second chance mechanisms encourage desistance and discusses their political feasibility — especially considering public support for sentence reduction strategies and concerns about public safety.