Getting the Runaround: Formerly Incarcerated Men and the Bureaucratic Barriers to Reentry

Getting the Runaround explores the bureaucratic challenges faced by formerly incarcerated men returning to New York City, highlighting the need to shift reentry away from an austerity-driven framework and towards a vision of social justice and inclusion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

Getting the Runaround: Navigating the Bureaucratic Spaces of Prisoner Reentry

In his insightful book, Getting the Runaround, John M. Halushka takes readers on a captivating journey into the intricate bureaucratic landscapes of prisoner reentry. Through meticulous ethnographic fieldwork and forty-five in-depth interviews with formerly incarcerated men returning to New York City, Halushka delves deep into the challenges and complexities faced by these individuals as they navigate the intricate institutional circuit of parole offices, public assistance programs, rehabilitation facilities, shelters, and family courts.

What emerges from Halushka's research is a compelling argument that the very institutions tasked with facilitating the transition from incarceration to community life inadvertently undermine reintegration by imposing a litany of bureaucratic obstacles. This "runaround" is not merely a series of inconveniences but rather an extension of state punishment that exacerbates material poverty and diminishes citizenship rights. It serves as a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities and injustices that exist within our criminal justice system.

Halushka's book is a powerful testament to the urgent need to shift reentry away from an austerity-driven, compliance-based framework and toward a vision of social justice and inclusion. Through the stories of men caught in vicious cycles of poverty, bureaucratic processing, and social control, Halushka vividly demonstrates the human cost of these policies and the urgent need for transformative change.

One of the key themes that emerges from the book is the profound impact of administrative burdens on the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals. The bureaucratic maze that they must navigate often leads to delays, denials, and frustration, further exacerbating their already precarious situation. For example, Halushka highlights the case of a man named James, who faced numerous obstacles in his attempt to secure employment after his release. Despite his qualifications and willingness to work, James encountered lengthy processing times, bureaucratic red tape, and discriminatory attitudes from potential employers.

Another critical aspect of the book is the way in which bureaucratic obstacles intersect with social control mechanisms. Halushka argues that the reentry process is not just about rehabilitation and reintegration but also about maintaining social order and control. The institutions involved in reentry are often used as tools to surveil, monitor, and control former prisoners, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, marginalization, and social exclusion.

Halushka's book offers a powerful critique of the current reentry landscape and provides a roadmap for a more just and inclusive approach. He advocates for a shift towards a community-based, holistic approach that recognizes the complex needs of formerly incarcerated individuals and addresses the root causes of their criminal behavior. This includes investing in education, job training, and mental health services, as well as addressing systemic inequalities such as poverty, racism, and discrimination.

Furthermore, Halushka calls for a more empathetic and compassionate approach to reentry from policymakers and society as a whole. He argues that the criminal justice system should prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment and incarceration. By treating former prisoners with respect and dignity, we can create a more just and equitable society that values the contributions of all members, regardless of their past mistakes.

In conclusion, Getting the Runaround is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of prisoner reentry and the urgent need for reform. John M. Halushka's insightful analysis and compelling storytelling shed light on the human cost of bureaucratic obstacles and provide a roadmap for a more just and inclusive reentry process. By advocating for a shift towards a community-based, holistic approach and promoting a more empathetic and compassionate perspective, we can work towards creating a society that values the contributions of all its members and works towards a brighter future for all.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520388680