Crj 303 - Corrections

Corrections

CRJ 303 Corrections

May 30, 2017

        As the correctional system in the United States evolves and its population continues to grow it becomes more challenging to find ways to care for offenders and reduce recidivism within our society. Although we have not reached a single method for meeting the goals of corrections we continue to respond to criminal behavior and attempt to meet the needs of offenders from a more rehabilitative approach.

Prior to the eighteenth century corrections in the United States has been in existence, and since then has gone through many changes. In the beginning retribution and deterrence were the main focus of corrections. Although prison practices in the 1800’s were not totally agreed upon in reference to solitary confinement at that time it appeared to be the best tool to deter future criminal behavior of those that were incarcerated. Toward the ending of the 1800’s prison practices began to change and take a more reformed approach. Within these approach prisoners were not only housed in secure facilities but begin to become more involved in their own individual lives by learning new skills and trade through labored work. This form of correction influenced new behavior among prisoners.

 In the 1900’s corporal punishment as well as chain gangs were a huge part of Americas correctional system. Prior to the correctional system communities punished those that committed crimes as they saw fit. As time went on punishment remained important within the correctional system and appeared to deter repeat offenders as well as want to be criminals. However as change began within the correctional walls outside more people committed crimes which placed a huge demand on states to build more and larger prisons to ensure the safety of communities. During the 1900’s corrections started to expand even more, with more and more individuals committing crimes needing to be incarcerated. To many because of the influx of inmates and re-offenders the prison system seemed to be nothing less than a failure.

“The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate per capita in the entire world at 707 prisoners per 100,000 people. It also has the largest number of people behind bars with 2.2 million people in local jails and state and federal prisons. While the United States only makes up 5% of the worlds population it incarcerates approximately 25% of the worlds prisoners. To put these rates into international perspective, compare the Unites States incarceration rate of 707 per 100,000 people to some other countries incarceration rates: Mexico – 214 per 100,000 people; Canada – 118 per 100,000 people; Russia – 467 per 100,000 people; China – 124per 100,000 people.” (Quigley, B., & Godchaux, S. 2015) The United States continues to lead the world in the incarceration of citizens.

Between the 70’s and the 80’s the United States prison population continued to grow and the government was forced to find ways for states to reduce its prison population while still holding offenders accountable for their criminal actions and keeping the community safe. As crime continued to trouble the streets of America it became imperative that the correctional system not just focus on Incapacitation and deterrence but also focus on rehabilitation and reintegration. In order for this to happen more programs had to be created to assist offenders and change their criminal behavior.

Within the correctional system criminals range from many different ages as well as are sentenced to incarceration for committing different crimes. This only means that there are many different treatment needs and requirements that must be met by offenders as well as administration. To address some of these needs both corrections and community corrections such as work release programs, probation, parole as well as half way houses must work together to play a huge role in reducing criminality in individuals. Whether an offender is placed in a state, federal or local prison or jail as well as community corrections the main goal is to hold the offender accountable for their actions. Due to overcrowded jails and prisons many status offenders are placed on probation for crimes committed and monitored through community corrections. Because of jail and prison population many offenders are also offered a early release and placed on parole for the remainder of their sentence to allot space within the jails and prisons.

“Generally alternatives to incarceration include programs, services, or supervision that allows an individual to remain in the community with effective mechanisms in place to ensure public safety. Those convicted of drug offenses, for example may be better served by being ordered to participate in a community based treatment program or to submit random urinalysis tests. Without services and treatment options in place to meet offenders needs in the community judges may have no choice but to sentence an offender to prison or juvenile detention.”(http://tloa.ncai.org)

 Within the correctional system there are many key players that assist in reducing crime and holding offenders accountable. They include but are not limited to the offender him or herself, the judge, probation officers, parole officers, prison administrators, staff, and correctional officers. Although they are all tasked with a huge role they all must work together in efforts to create a successful system that assist in returning offenders back into their communities as productive citizens. No one department or persons can successfully individually tackle the needs of an offender. All participants must willingly collaborate to provide the best services for an individual.

Prior to incarceration the first line within the correctional system that an individual will face is the judge. The judge will determine proper punishment to those that have committed crimes. After sentencing is determined  offenders will immediately become acquainted with prison and jail administration as well as correctional officers. Although correctional officers are mainly trained to provide safety and security within the facility it will soon be noticed they will carry many more roles. Twenty-four hours seven days a week correctional officers do not just ensure safety and security of the inmates and the facility. They also take on the jobs from all other departments when other staffs such as teachers, nurses, and counselors are not available. In all instances while incarcerated they are the inmate’s first line of contact.

Due to overcrowding in jails as well as in prisons prison officials have found it very difficult to sufficiently tend to the needs of all offenders as well as correctional workers. As needs are not met on all sides due to budget restraints and limited staff tension between staff as well as inmates in the prison continues to rise. Constant stress within the prison walls between those incarcerated as well as the workers lead to a very unsafe environment. “As the United States continues to lead the world in incarceration, United States prisoners continue to suffer human rights abuses and other issues regarding their treatment, safety and health. Prison rape, the over use of solidarity confinement, lack of access to medical and psychological care are just a handful of problems plaguing our prisons and affecting millions of prisoners. For example, sexual assault behind bars affects one and ten juveniles and despite severe under reporting, 4% of state and federal inmates reported sexual abuse. Approximately 60,000 inmates are sexually assaulted by other inmates or staff every year according to the Bureau of Justice statistics.” (Quigley, B., & Godchaux, S. 2015        )