Vexed Bermoothes

It was revealed in the House yesterday that Bermuda’s criminal recidivism rate is now 78%. In other words, 78% of prisoners who complete their sentence will reoffend and serve more jail time. Bermuda’s “repeat offender rate” has gone up in recent years and is now considerably higher than in most western countries.

From this, it’s clear that Bermuda’s prisons are not succeeding in their quest to rehabilitate. This is not solely their fault, as they are on the frontline of Bermuda’s social problems but may not get the attention or funding to make a difference.

Like many, I believe the treatment for recidivism is a mental health issue more than a crime issue. The causes are often rooted in dysfunctional family, poor education, and drug abuse. Yet, the prisons have been operating without a single full time psychologist for some time (Government is currently advertising to fill the post).

I repeat my earlier comments:

Craig Clarke, head of the Prison Officers Association, said that the Government was paying too much attention to the “front end” of the criminal justice system (the police, courts, and incarceration) and not putting enough resources into the “back end” (rehabilitation in prison and help rebuilding offenders’ lives on the outside.)

If we are serious about reducing recidivism, we need to help break the negative patterns that entrap many of these kids. That means extensive counseling (both psychological and drug) as well as more opportunities for education.

For years we’ve had lots of talk and hired consultants to advise us on combating gangs … but it appears that some of the basics of rehabilitation are not being addressed.