Originally published in hardcover in 2013.

This book is the first to organize and explain current scholarship on convict criminology, corrections and criminal justice in an accessible manner. From activism to the emergence of undergraduate programmes in prisons, it provides a clear guide to the complexities of the field.

Have you or a loved one been sentenced to serve time in Federal prison and have no clue what to expect? This experience doesn't have to be as scary or stressful as you may think. There is a way to overcome this obstacle as quickly as possible and come out on top! Let Lisa Barrett teach you the ropes! Barrett, a former school teacher and Teacher's Union President sentenced to serve a year in Federal prison, utilized her time behind bars to create an invaluable road map for prisoners. Through her first hand experience, research and interviews with numerous inmates, Barrett has compiled a unique resource for Federal prisoners; the first of its kind written from a women's perspective. How to Navigate Through Federal Prison and Gain an Early Release is a detailed prisoner's survival guide, written by former inmate, Lisa Barrett, with excerpts by Jamila T. Davis. This captivating book vividly guides readers through the journey of incarceration, shattering the fear of the unknown! Designed in an easy-to-read format, step-by-step, readers are provided a crash course on the "do's and "dont's" for new prisoners, while being enlightened to the scope of services, programs and policies of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). From learning what to bring, what you'll need to buy, how to stay connected with the outside world, how to receive money, how to survive on prison food, how to land a decent job, how to utilize your time productively, and much more, Barrett provides a plethora of resources and techniques that are useful to prisoners. Additionally, this book includes detailed excerpts by inmate/activist Jamila T. Davis on viable legal remedies, strategies to gain relief from the U.S. Courts and BOP available options for early release. Davis, author of the Voices of Consequences Enrichment Series and co-founder of WomenOverIncarcerated.org, shares her 6 1/2 years of hands-on experience successfully challenging injustice from behind bars.

“We built our Prison College Program with the information in this book” -Jamie Meade (232516) “Through Bruce’s program I have won a scholarship, attended three schools, and accumulated over 80 college credits” -Donald Bolton (231356) “As an incarcerated college student, I was able to secure a good job offer before I saw the parole board” -Robert Coleman (204768) “A copy of College in Prison should be in every prison library” -Ahmed Melson (198174)

The United States accounts for 5 percent of the world's population, yet incarcerates about 25 percent of the world's prisoners. Examining a wealth of studies by researchers and correctional professionals, and the experience of educators, this book shows recidivism rates drop in direct correlation with the amount of education prisoners receive, and the rate drops dramatically with each additional level of education attained. Presenting a workable solution to America's mass incarceration and recidivism problems, this book demonstrates that great fiscal benefits arise when modest sums are spent educating prisoners. Educating prisoners brings a reduction in crime and social disruption, reduced domestic spending and a rise in quality of life. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

This Guide is designed for people who are incarcerated and for those on community supervision (probation and parole). It will help you get started--or continue--on the path to further education and training. Earning a high school credential, getting a certificate or license in a career technical field, or earning an associate or bachelor's degree will help you advance in your career, and, ultimately, life. You'll have more to offer employers, and you'll improve your chances of getting and keeping a good job--and earning promotions. You'll increase the amount of money you can earn, gain new skills, and make new contacts.