The unintended effects of prisoner reentry policy and the marginalization of urban communities

Despite the stated purpose of the Prisoner Reentry Industry, to effectively manage formerly incarcerated individuals’ transition back into the community, there is evidence to suggest that its policies may be counterproductive to this process. Drawing on personal experiences as a mentor to a formerly incarcerated African-American woman, this essay seeks to provide examples of how policy gridlock can impede the transition of individuals from prison, into the community, and how this contributes to the economic and social affliction of urban communities.