The Impact of Inside-Out Participation on Perceptions on the Criminal Justice System

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Prison education is effective in reducing recidivism and increasing self-efficacy of inmates and formerly incarcerated people. Experiential education offered through programs like Inside-Out, which combine incarcerated and campus-based students may also benefit the learning experience of students outside the prison walls. Furthermore, the American public often has inaccurate and ill-informed perceptions of crime and the criminal justice system, which may affect their support for punitive policies and confidence in the criminal justice system. Using surveys of participants in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, the impact of participation in Inside-Out on perceptions of crime prevalence, rehabilitative programs, and confidence in the justice system are examined. Preliminary results including comparisons between pre- and post-intervention perceptions of Inside and Outside are examined. Findings from this research may be used in support of prison education programs that offer experiential learning to university students and other members of the public, and future research should examine how other avenues for education, including community events and media outlets can be used to better inform the public on matters relating to crime trends and the criminal justice system.

Author

• Cassandra Philippon, Arizona State University