Statement of Chairman Howard Coble

Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security

October 7, 2004

Oversight Hearing on

Criminal Offender Reentry

and

Protecting Children from Criminal Recidivists

Today, the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security is conducting an oversight hearing to examine current prisoner reentry programs and assess what, if any, reforms should be made to more effectively address the high recidivism rate of prisoners leaving federal, state and local jails and prisons and their impact on society as a whole.

            I am pleased to welcome two of our colleagues to the panel who have introduced legislation this Congress that would coordinate offender reentry programs and clarify and strengthen notification and child protection laws. I also welcome our other witnesses representing state government officials and a non-profit organization directly involved in the implementation of prisoner reentry programs.

            Data from the Department of Justice suggest that approximately 95% of state prisoners will be released from prison at some point, at a rate of 600,000 people per year, perhaps as many as 750,000 if we include juvenile offenders released from secure juvenile detention facilities -- and that doesn't include those released from short term detention in local jails. Unfortunately, it is expected that two-thirds of these offenders released from prison will be subsequently arrested again for a felony or serious misdemeanor within three years.

            Groups working with prisoners reentering society identify specific obstacles in the transition back to normal life for released criminal offenders. These problems include, but are not limited to, finding adequate housing and job opportunities, reuniting with their families, accessing appropriate educational programs, and treating substance abuse. It is estimated that 70-80% of offenders reentering the community have histories of drug abuse or alcohol abuse. Further, an increasing number of offenders have mental health problems. (Those of you who closely follow the actions of this subcommittee and full committee may be aware that a bill addressing mentally ill offenders passed the House Judiciary committee last week and passed the full House yesterday).

            My interest in the issue of prisoner recidivism and reentry is two-fold. First, I look forward to hearing from our witnesses regarding specific problems facing prisoners reentering society, the role of the federal government in prisoner reentry programs, and what part it should play in reforming the current programs to make them more effective.

            Second, I would like to hear about the impact recidivism has on federal, state and local crime rates and its cost to state and local communities.

            During my tenure in Congress, I have consistently supported policies that are tough on crime. I believe tough criminal penalties deter crime, appropriately punish offenders, and create a safer society for all Americans. I also believe, however, that we should craft federal policies that enable states and localities to assist individuals leaving the prison system and reentering society instead of inadvertently tying the hands of those groups and people who want to help in that transition and those ex-offenders who want to be successful, law-abiding citizens in society. I would also note that the government doesn't have all the answers, and we need to seriously consider the success rates of faith based organizations in this area that often far exceed the success rates of government run programs.

            We all, Republicans and Democrats alike, have a united goal of decreasing crime and encouraging growth and prosperity. I hope this hearing gives us specific examples of how this goal may be achieved and what may be done to control the growing cost of crime on society.