Written By Shawn Raleigh
I am sure most are familiar with or heard of the term recidivism. Recidivism is the recurring act of criminal behavior, resulting in multiple convictions for that behavior. According to O.C.G.A. (Official Code of Georgia Annotated) 17-10-7 if a defendant has a prior felony conviction and is convicted of a second felony, the judge must sentence the defendant to the maximum prison term. However, the judge can also suspend or probate the sentence, unless it's a mandatory life sentence.
In Georgia 1 out of 3 individuals return to prison under the recidivism statutes. This has created a strain on the court system, prison population, law enforcement, families, and taxpayers. It is understood that we all should be held accountable for our actions. Especially if we are repeating a cycle of detrimental behavior. Lawmakers have approached this issue with "Tough on Crime" "Lock them up and throw away the key'' campaigns. But is this the right approach to curb recidivism? However, there are many who believe that mental health, lack of resources, and no solid support systems are underlying factors of recidivism. Not to mention that many return to an environment of hopelessness.
Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett has taken an holistic approach using "The Law of Reciprocity" as inspiration to combat recidivism. Growing up on the Westside of Atlanta., Scandrett witnessed first hand many of his peers get sent off to prison only to return to society more broken because the community couldn't support them in any kind of way. He watched as they just set out to survive and to do it by any means necessary. Any means necessary refers to all the things they were familiar with and accustomed too. You can say that it was the comfort zone of life for them. There was no one to redirect them the right way.
Scandrett recognized this as he himself faced challenges of his environment, especially in the home. Although he could feel the hopelessness in the air, he managed to overcome those obstacles and progressed beyond the snares of Westside Atlanta, Bankhead to be exact. But it wasn't a cake walk. Growing up his mother worked a job that paid her the bare minimum and his father was abusive toward his mother. They barely had food in the house. But even in the midst of the chaos, Scandrett seems to find hope in the situation. And that hope came from an extension of Grace from others who cared enough, loved enough, and was proactive enough to help his family in the time of need. So Scandrett understands fully how thin the line is of being on the right side or the wrong side. Fortunately for Scandrett he arose on the right side of it all. Moving forward with the "Law of Reciprocity!" Vouching to do for others as others had done for him.
Through it all Scandrett has found himself not only as Sheriff of Henry County, but the first African American Sheriff of Henry County. And as a God fearing man he has set out to lead and guide his community to prosper in every aspect. Even for those who find themselves on the wrong side of the tracks, Scandrett believes that once you know better you can do better. His office is offering the opportunity to "Know Better" and "Do Better."
How does the Sheriff of Henry County and his staff approach this difficult and unpopular task? In other words, change the narrative? He and his staff understand that proper clinical evaluations have to be assessed for each individual. Aware of the high volume of mental health issues that plague the community, some of the best clinical psychologists in the country were brought in to identify, recognize and to ensure the right help is in position. The main objective is to calm the waters instead of intensifying tension amongst staff, those in the county jail and the community as well. Inspired by his wife, Scandrett utilizes the acronym L.U.V. implementing that individuals need to be Listened too, to be Understood, and to be Validated. This alone can give any individual a sense of credibility and value. As Scandrett puts it, creating a relationship creates trust. And with trust you can move in the right direction.
Despite the unpopular belief that true redemption is attainable, partnerships have been developed. Morehouse College, Southern Crescent Technical College, and even Judges have come on board with HCSO in an attempt to curtail recidivism. And so far their efforts have been worthy of the time, finances, and resources to continue moving forward.
So what are the goals set out for the individuals who qualify to participate in the "Recidivism Program?" As stated earlier each individual is evaluated clinically to see if they qualify for the program. And if they don't qualify. There are ways and steps taken to get you on the right track. Once accepted into the program, participants will go on a 9 month journey to success. Along this journey they will learn to be accountable for their own success. Learn to speak different languages at the table of success. Learn how appearance can change their attitude. They will experience College life. They will have a cap and gown graduation. Certified! Ready to walk the path of success feeling L.U.V. Listened too. Understood. And Validated. Not only from the support system but most importantly within themselves.
In closing I would like to applaud the efforts of Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett, his staff, Morehouse College, Southern Crescent Technical College, the Judges who support the program, the participants and their families for finding common ground in the fight against recidivism. Under the "Law of Reciprocity"
Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett Appears on Voices of The Village Podcast
Join Our Team: The Henry County Sheriff GA Department
Check Out Game Changers Magazine 2024 Spring Edition featuring Judge Stephen N. Knights Jr.
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