Define recidivism and explain its role in the criminal-justice system.

Recidivism is the tendency for a criminal to commit crime after release. In the criminal-justice system, this is an issue.

If the rates of recidivism are high, then you can predict that the criminal will be back in prison.

Efforts have been made to educate, train and prepare prisoners for life outside of prison. Once they get out, finding employment will not be easy. If they can't get a job, they tend to go back to crime. Jobs aren't the only barriers they face.

I believe that one of the methods to be explored is the role of the parole officer.
Currently the keep track of a parole and make sure they are following the conditions of their release and meeting with them regularly.

It could be cynicism, but if the rates of recidivism are high then the expectation is that a parolee will commit a crime again. A high level officer could actually make a difference. We need to put our heads together and start thinking outside the box.