Fixing Prisons in the United States
byDecember 5th, 2007 at 6:14 PM
Filed under: News Story Commentary, Politics
 |
|
Nobody in this country gets elected to public office by talking about fixing prisons in the United States. Most politicians never even talk about the subject. Why should they, when most of the people it affects cannot even vote? What public officials normally talk about is harsher penalties and stiffer sentences, when it comes to those who violate their state or country laws. The general public couldn’t care less about the inmates in an overcrowded prison. The majority of the population would not even think about the 2.2 million behind bars(1), if it were not for this growing problem in this country. There are many reasons why this is a hot topic that has been brought up in recent history. For one, the prisons around than country and especially in certain parts of this country are more then overcrowded and physically cannot fit anymore inmates within their walls. Another heated topic is the “revolving door effect”, this pertains to coming back to prison shortly after being released. The problem with keeping prisoners for a long time is a sensitive one, because it feels as though it is a complete waste of money that have no chance of seeing the light of day. The United Sates prison system is clearly failing: it cannot uphold this country’s great reputation for second chances and freedom. Prison overcrowding is a never ending problem. It is the most obvious problem with incarceration, because it is so visible to the naked eye. Finding a prison in this country, which does not have to “double bunk” two inmates in a bed, is rare and improbable. With stricter laws and more harsh penalties for crimes, it is nearly impossible for correctional facilities to house all of these inmates. Overcrowding in prison has led to higher stress rates, higher percentage of sexually transmitted diseases and increase gang violence. With the population becoming so intense in some facilities, the wardens of these establishments have decided to keep gangs together. This of course not only raises the violence, but creates segregation between all inmates. Even if not in a gang, inmates are put in a difficult situation by having to decide whether to fight for your race or keep to yourself, and show disrespect towards your respective group. Deciding to keep gangs together and even promotes segregation was more a “must” than an option to prison officials. The fighting may continue, but it is easier to control the units if they are housed together. Due to this tremendous problem, the United States Federal Court has decided to take action and force states to take action. Although, there have been funds set aside, and money for building more facilities, it takes a great deal of time to construct these massive buildings. The problems with overcrowding, that face this country are happening in the present and cannot afford to wait 2 or 3 years until the new building are constructed. Since, stricter laws have been passed in some states; these states are seeing their prison population growing into an astronomical number. There are some reasonably realistic ideas of how to control prison overcrowding. One obviously can be getting some of the non-violent offenders out a prison with rapists and murderers, and put into a type of half-way house or other correctional facilities. This not only would clear out some room, but will suit those prisoners. Most of these “non-violent” offenders are charged with drug related crimes. In 2005, four out of five drug arrests were for possession and one out of five was for sales(1). The crime history for three-quarters of drug offenders in state prisons involved non-violent or drug offenses. Half-way houses or drug treatment faculties would be much better suited for these types of inmates. Stricter laws like the “3 strikes program” in California, put people behind bars for 25-life, no matter what crime they committed. This may sound good to someone trying to get felons off the streets, but creates a terrible situation for repeat felons who get charged with violation of parole or probation. Violation of parole is a common term that most parolees get used to. In certain parts of this country, parolees are required to be released into the same community that they lived in when they committed the crime. This in turn may force the former inmate to get back into his old ways. On average, two out of three released prisoners will be rearrested and one of two will return to prison within three years of release. This is an outstanding number, when you think about it. This means that, while incarcerated inmates were and are configuring their next crime. Prison is refereed to as the “university for criminals.” With criminals all around them, they cannot help but too talk about what they did in the past and will do in the future. This is why we strongly need a rehabilitation process in all the prisons in this country. When inmates are released, they are confronted with the question of either going back to their life of crime or getting a legitimate job. As the stat above indicates, most of them would choose crime over a real job. What needs to be done to make the prison system more productive is to implement an education program of some sort in these facilities. Whether it is vocational, drug rehabilitation, or anger management classes, something needs to be done. People who get released from prison after doing 10, 25, or 50 years need some help to get caught up on technology and to be prepared for the world it is today. When released these inmates are now part of our society, and should not be felt as “dead weight” on our society. At the same cost as room, board, and tuition at Harvard University for a year, the American taxpayers pay to house an inmate in a prison(2). Taxpayers would get more for their dollar in the long run if they would implement a rehabilitation process. Inmates can benefit greatly from receiving these types of programs. A more intelligent way to make sure learning and rehabilitation takes place is to implement an educational program that might speed up release dates. Most inmates would jump out the chance to receive this type of help and reward. The country has got to take steps to make sure our taxpayers hard earned money gets directed to the smartest manner possible. This can go a long way. We have to think about more people contributing to our society, and less taking away from it. What needs to be done to fix our growing problem in prisons needs to happen quickly. Everyday more inmates are being booked into penitentiaries around the country. The problem is getting worse and not many public figures are noticing or taking action. The ways to fix these problems are pretty simple and can be done easily with the help of some higher authorities. Federal courts are finally getting the initiative to start making a plan to make prison less crowded. State law makers are trying to implement ideas to get educational programs installed to rehabilitate the ones who will one day be free again. However, private companies that own prisons do not care about the individuals inside them and only care about the amount of money generated. Something needs to be done because after all, these inmates are Americans just like the rest of us. |
 |
Rate this Article
Submit a Critique
Critiques
Show Oldest First
stableman on December 19th, 2007 at 11:38 AM
ON THE SUBJECT OF PRISON!
Ok! Prison overcrowding is a problem because there are so many inmates, not enough bunks & rooms. How can we
fix this? Simple - very simply get tougher. Get real
mad dog tough and put some harshness into prison. Make
it so terrible, unhumanly kind that the word gets out!
No more easy life in prison, tv, newspapers, books and
the library privledges, etc.
We have to take a sharp stand that lashes out at all the
would be villians with words of encouragement - break the law and you will suffer!
1.) Make them work at some task that will benefit us!
2.) No special treatments, (it is prison) remember?
3.) Set a few examples by speeding-up death punishments.
4.) Let people know - if they break the law they suffer.
5.) No screwing around with pardons - no short time!
It might take a generation to get the word out but when
people understand what will happen to them they will be
educated enough to behave in our free society.
It is really simple! stableman
Desert_Rebel on December 11th, 2007 at 4:34 PM
If you break the law, you go to jail. Seems fair to me. Prison isn't supposed to be fun. It isn't supposed to be "educational". If anything prisons are too soft. If someone raped your daughter would you want them to be able to watch tv all day and get a master's degree? Would you take up for them then? You have to be fucking kidding.
Facts and interest points are taken for a fast ride and
suddenly (last paragraph) "Something needs to be done because after all, these inmates are Americans just like the rest of us." etc...
Only 2 stars for your poor ending!
That cuts it for me! That is not a rational thinking
person talking - and sounds like an excuse to forgive
convicts just because they are American?