Effectiveness of Correctional Programmes in Curbing Reoffending

Abstract

Correctional programmes are aimed at equipping offenders with survival life skills to enable them to be reintegrated into society upon release. However, a majority of released offenders continue to reoffend, questioning the efficacy of the Zimbabwe Prisons Correctional programmes. This study, sought to investigate the effectiveness of correctional programmes implemented by ZPCS. Firstly, the study aimed to identify the correctional programmes practiced at the institution, secondly to determine factors that affect the effectiveness of programmes, thirdly to investigate the factors that cause reoffending after having undergone such correctional programmes and finally to recommend ways of making the correctional program more effective to mitigate reoffending. The research made use of a descriptive case study approach. Primary Data was gathered through the use of questionnaire and interviews. A total 24 reoffenders were invited to participate from a population of 96 reoffenders at the institution, 4 of whom were released inmates. The study established that correctional programmes are poorly implemented. The study also established that the programmes also fail because they take place in a living environment which is hostile, filled with negative and anti-social criminogenic behaviours and attitudes hence encouraging reoffending. The study also reveals that gaining employment after imprisonment is difficult as correctional programmes do not continue after imprisonment which makes it difficult for inmates to adjust to life after prison. The study therefore recommends that Zimbabwe Prisons And Correctional Services should collaborate with partners such as employment agencies to encourage them to employ ex inmates who would have gained vocational skills in prisons. The study also recommended the recruitment and training of qualified personal to carry out the various rehabilitative programs in prisons. Lastly, there is also need for the Government to allocate more funds to the Ministry to improve quality of services and infrastructure that enables offenders to rehabilitate in a less hostile environment that encourages rehabilitation.