From what I've seen and studied, they "say" prison is meant to rehabilitate, but really it's to punish. The revolving door is exactly as you called it, a money racket. People's jobs depend on there being so many folks locked up, there are profits to be made, budgets to increase, etc.

Anyone I've dealt with that's been incarcerated has told me the exact same thing, they get an education, a good one while they're inside. They learn how to be a bigger, harder criminal. Fine lesson, eh?

I think your assessment is spot on. But there also has to be some transitional supports. Many people came in without family, a stable living environment, a job or any positive coping mechanisms. Push them out the gate at the end of their time without anything new, and they'll be back.

For those serving longer sentences, that's critically important as they can become institutionalized. People adapt to their environment, even if its not a good one. I've seen people go back because that's where they're comfortable, they know inside, the know those rules. There's comfort in that. Sometimes it's conscious, sometimes it's not.

Treating inmates like actual humans would go a long way too. People who are treated like animals will act like animals. That time inside can be used for great things. Like you said, education, drug treatment, skills and vocational training.

But let's call a spade a spade, shall we? It's a business, inmates are the product and customer, both in a strange way. It's not in their best interest to not have repeat business. It's also not in their best interest to look to the public like they're being "soft on crime" and actually helping people.