Mitch Landrieu: “Everyday more than 1,600 prisoners are released from jail and head back to the streets of America's neighborhoods and…”

“Everyday more than 1,600 prisoners are released from jail and head back to the streets of America's neighborhoods and communities. That is more than 600,000 each year. When they get out, they are often sent back to the same neighborhoods where they got into trouble in the first place and more than two-thirds of them return to a life of crime. This problem could get worse, if we don't take action. We have the largest prison population than at any other time in our history. Two million people are behind bars, the result of tougher penalties, particularly for drug offenses, and 'three-strikes and you're out laws' in many States. While the worst offenders will stay behind bars indefinitely, 95 percent of people in jail will get out at some point in time, either on parole, or after completing their sentences. The challenge for us and our communities is clear: we must find a way to successfully integrate offenders back into society after they get out of prison. The task is daunting. Many offenders face a unique set of personal challenges, legal restrictions, and social barriers that make the transition to productive citizenship extremely difficult for them. Substance abuse is the most common problem. Eighty percent of all offenders abuse drugs and alcohol, or were under the influence of drugs and alcohol when they committed their crimes.”