Missoula Probation and Parole & Missoula Partners for Reintegration are hosting a "Re-Entry Simulation" event Thursday, November 9 at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. Probation Officer Marc Kittleson explains.

“What it does is it simulates the life of someone returning from incarceration, typically prison, and it kind of simulates that first month when they are out of prison,” said Kittleson. “The simulation breaks down four different weeks and it breaks down into 15 minute segments and each segment is a week of their life. You get to role play through some of the challenges that somebody returning from incarceration may face.”

Kittleson says he participated in this event in the past and he had an entirely different mindset afterwards.

“Being a probation officer and working this field for a number of years, it was very eye opening for me and it felt very realistic,” Kettleson said. “I was almost kind of frustrated at the end because it was so difficult. With the character I played, I felt like the odds were so stacked against me. It put into perspective how difficult it is.”

According to Kittleson, there are two separate simulations that will take place. The first simulation is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The second simulation is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and that is for any professional agency that deals with the criminal justice population. Those who would like to participate in the afternoon session can RSVP by calling (406)-542-7134.

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