Blog Author: CBS New 

Nearly 95% of people currently in prison will be released back into society, and historically a significant percentage are likely to reoffend. In California, authorities are trying to change that by providing inmates access to education, work and other rehabilitative privileges — programs that have been shown to reduce recidivism and increase public safety. CBS Reports examines a controversial approach some see as being “soft on crime,” which now may be preventing it. Watch more CBS Reports documentaries that dive into the key issues driving the national and global conversation at cbsnews.com/cbs-reports