Corrections_Today_September_October_2023_Vol.85_No.5

■ RECIDIVISM

of the law, they are subjected to harsher penalties, which, in turn, limit their opportunities for employment upon release. This lack of gainful employment feeds the des peration that often leads to reoffending, creating a cycle of poverty and crime. It is essential to understand that the intersectionality of poverty, crime, and race cannot be disregarded when discussing the consequences of the ‘tough on crime’ approach. Often, these individuals lack the resources to navigate the justice system effectively. With inadequate representation, the likelihood of harsher sentences in creases, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the individuals and impacts families and entire communities. 6 These affected communities then find themselves locked in economic instability and social disarray, further alienating them from the rest of society. Children growing up in such environments often lack access to quality edu cation and social opportunities, further entrenching these communities in a state of disadvantage. Over time, this economic and social disparity widens, creating a chasm that is increasingly difficult to bridge. 7 Moreover, when viewed through the lens of race, these are tough on crime policies can have profound psycholog ical impacts on minority populations. Perceived injustices and widespread distrust of law enforcement can lead to a general lack of faith in the justice system. This can lead to a phenomenon known as ‘legal cynicism’ — where a large community feels that the law and its agents are prejudiced, illegitimate, and ill-equipped to ensure public safety. This cynicism can result in lower crime reporting and less cooperation with law enforcement, ironically leading to higher crime rates. 8

The disproportionate effect of the ‘tough-on-crime policies on racial minorities is a multifaceted problem. It is not just about crime and punishment; it is a broader issue that touches on socioeconomic disparity, educa tion, community trust, and social justice. Addressing this requires more than just revising sentencing guidelines. It necessitates a fundamental rethinking of how we un derstand crime and punishment and how we can build a justice system that truly serves all its constituents equally. A proportionate response To illustrate the repercussions of Wyoming’s ‘tough on-crime policies, consider two representative cases. A Hispanic woman, a first-time offender charged with a minor drug offense, faces a mandatory prison sentence due to the rigidity of drug laws. Meanwhile, a young Af rican American male is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for a nonviolent drug offense, underscoring the severity of mandatory sentences and the absence of judicial discretion during sentencing. While Wyoming traditionally advocates for lim ited government, reforms must be enacted to balance the scales of justice. These reforms should prioritize a productive approach to crime prevention, balancing punishment and rehabilitation and reducing costs. While politics and public opinion undeniably influence the ‘tough on crime policies, lawmakers must consider the broader implications of these policies, particularly their impact on public safety and budgets. Although there has been some recognition by the state’s population that the economic consequences of the tough-on-crime policies are not ideal and that they also contribute to social inequality by disproportionately affecting minorities and low-income communities along with the high cost of incarceration and lost economic po tential of the angels with these criminal records the flossy punishment over rehabilitation continues to perpetuate the cycle of crime and encouragement ration incarcera tion undermine community safety and cohesion due to the political landscape that struggles with change in a refusal to admit that harsh crime policies which are fueled by fear of crime and a belief that harsh punishment is best are not working. In light of the injustices and feelings of the tough-on crime policies are critical to consider alternatives to these

Recidivism reduction programs serve as vital cogs within the correctional system.

54 — September/October 2023 Corrections Today