Drexel’s Department of Criminology and Justice Studies, in collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, hosted a Reentry Simulation on March 4. This powerful, interactive event allowed members of the Drexel community to step into the shoes of someone reentering life after prison. 

Attendees experienced a simulation designed to highlight the emotional and practical realities of transitioning from incarceration back into society. Each participant was assigned a character that faced their own unique set of challenges and roadblocks as they attempted to rebuild their lives.  

Within a set amount of time representing the first month in the life of someone recently released from incarceration, participants attempted to complete tasks that mirrored the various struggles individuals face, including complying with probation terms, securing employment, attending treatment programs and managing finances.  

“Here at Drexel University, we believe that the way you learn things is by experiencing them,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Brown, PhD, while introducing the event. “This kind of activity is extremely important."

Reentry is part of the criminal justice process that is not often talked about, explained Rob Kane, Department Head of Criminology and Justice Studies.  

“We often think of criminal justice as a closed system, where the people who affect the lives of those being adjudicated all work within the system—the police officer, the prosecutor, the judge,” Kane said. “However, once a person is released from a carceral setting, the challenges really begin. And the hurdles are placed before them by people the people they meet in everyday life while trying to get housing, healthcare, transportation, education or employment. That’s what this simulation is about — it’s to highlight the barriers that recently released citizens face as they try to take that next step in their lives and make a new start.” 

The Drexel students, faculty and staff participating in the simulation quickly experienced these barriers themselves. As the lack of support for those reentering society became apparent, many found themselves either reoffending and ending up back in prison, or struggling to obtain employment, housing and other basic needs — proving how difficult successful reentry can be.  

Simulating the complex scenarios and the barriers reentrants face builds visibility and leads to dialogues about how these individuals’ experiences can be improved. By understanding the challenges and discussing innovative solutions, the Drexel community is helping create positive change in our society. 

“As a criminology student it’s vital to learn about all the different aspects of the criminal justice system, especially how its policies and practices affect individuals on a personal level,” said criminology and justice studies major Sydney Davis.  

“The event was very illuminating for me, and it gave me a glimpse into what life is like for someone reentering society,” reflected Charlotte Harayda, a double major in psychology and criminology and justice studies. “I'm glad I had this opportunity to participate.” 

Learn more about Criminology and Justice Studies at Drexel.