Understanding Prisoner Reentry: Public Perceptions of Reentry Barriers Among College Students

The United States has experienced an enormous rise and fall in crime rates, while incarceration rates have continued to soar. One of the many pressing concerns about the era of mass incarceration, especially in times where decriminalization of drug offenses occurs, communities are faced with increases in returning inmates and resources needed for successful reentry. This study is focused on community perceptions of college students toward barriers faced regarding incarceration, prisoner reentry, and improving recidivism rates in communities. Qualitative data are collected from interviews and focus groups conducted in an Inland Northwest community, to shed light on the community\u27s perception of barriers to reentry that might interrupt successful reentry for inmates or that may be viewed as more helpful for inmates\u27 successful reentry. This research extends our understanding of community perceptions of barriers faced in interrupting the cycles of incarceration as well as provides an assessment and evaluation of what exists, what is needed, and what has worked in this community. The research has implications for local criminal justice reform efforts to better provide services and resources for returning inmates