NCJ Number
205311
Journal
Gazette Volume: 65 Issue: 3 Dated: 2003 Pages: 32-33
Date Published
2003
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Boston Re-entry Initiative for high-risk offenders.
Abstract
During 2000, Boston experienced a 13 percent rise in violent and firearm crime in the city, mainly concentrated in the high-crime neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan. An analysis by the police and sheriff found that over 50 percent of Department of Correction (DOC) inmates return to these same neighborhoods upon release. Moreover, further investigation revealed that the same offenders had been repeatedly arrested and released. It became clear that an intensive and collaborative re-entry program was needed for these high-risk offenders. The Boston Re-entry Program involves the participation of law enforcement, government agencies, community service organizations, and faith-based organizations. The main objectives of the program are to focus efforts and resources on the most serious repeat offenders, labeled “Impact Players,” by implementing a joint social service and public safety approach. The program works by prioritizing inmates for inclusion in the program who are between the ages of 18 to 32 years, have histories of chronic violent and firearms offenses, are gang-involved, and are returning to high-crime neighborhoods. An initial meeting is held between the multidisciplinary re-entry panel and the inmate to discuss the program objectives and rules. During incarceration, inmate services are provided targeted to inmates’ needs. Upon release, mentors and service providers complete monthly assessments of their inmates’ progress; and inmates are tracked up to 1 year following release. Program participants and those who were labeled “Impact Players” but refused to participate in the program, are met with swift law enforcement action upon committing a new offense. The outcome has been positive, with a 4 percent decrease in violent crime in the targeted neighborhoods. Given the severity of criminal histories and entrenched gang involvement of the participants, the program has made a significant contribution to the safety of the community.