Introduction To Projectmelanie M Molinadepartment Of Criminal Justice ✓ Solved
Introduction to Project Melanie M. Molina Department of Criminal Justice, Miami Dade College CCJ 3700: Introduction to Research Methods Dr. Shawn Schwaner January 24, 2021 American Prisons were first founded in 1790 by the Pennsylvanian Quakers. The purpose of the prisons was to provide something that was less cruel and brutal than the dungeon prisons and jails (Jenness, 2016). Out of this, they created a place where prisoners could read scriptures and repent thinking that this would reform prisoners.
Although prison does not necessarily change them, the recidivism rates in the United Sates in 50% are incarcerated again, or within three years of their release 2 out of 3 will get incarcerated again (Kaeble, 2014). There are four major purposes for prisons: retribution, incapacitation, deterrence, and rehabilitation (Stop the Crime, 2002). Retribution means punishment for crimes against society. Incapacitation refers to the removal of criminals from society so that they can no longer harm innocent people. Deterrence means the prevention of future crime.
Rehabilitation refers to activities designed to change criminals into law abiding citizens, and may include providing education courses in prison, teaching job skills and offering counselling with a psychologist or social worker. Although these are all purposes for prisons, however, it is not this way throughout the system. Why are there so many challenges facing corrections. Throughout this paper I will be diving into the reasons and the biggest challenges that corrections have faced in the last couple of years. Corrections is one of the biggest components of criminal justice system, and it is important to know about corrections.
It is important to know if there are any changes that could be implemented in order to develop the system for a better future for the criminals. As citizens, we want the country to become a safer place for our future families, and it starts with the criminals. References: Jenness, V. (2016, August 27). United States Prison System History - Valerie Jenness. Retrieved January 24, 2021, from Kaeble, D. (2014).
Incarceration. Retrieved January 24, 2021, from Purposes of Prisons. (2002). Retrieved January 24, 2021, from
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Overview
The American prison system, established in 1790 by the Quakers in Pennsylvania, was designed to replace barbaric dungeon jails with a more humane environment aimed at reforming inmates (Jenness, 2016). This intention, rooted in rehabilitation, carries significant implications for criminal justice today. Despite these initial goals, the reality is starkly different, as evidenced by alarmingly high recidivism rates where approximately 50% of inmates are reincarcerated within three years of their release (Kaeble, 2014). This paper will explore the four fundamental purposes of prisons: retribution, incapacitation, deterrence, and rehabilitation (Stop the Crime, 2002), while delving into the significant challenges that the corrections system faces today. As a critical component of the criminal justice system, understanding these challenges is essential for fostering a safer society for future generations.
The Four Purposes of Prisons
1. Retribution
Retribution embodies the notion of punishment for crimes committed against society. The principle rests on the idea that offenders should pay a debt to society for their actions, serving as a form of justice (Tonry, 1996). However, the punitive nature of this approach can sometimes overlook the need for rehabilitation and lead to higher recidivism rates, which challenges the aim of making communities safer.
2. Incapacitation
Incapacitation involves removing criminals from society, thus preventing them from inflicting harm on innocent individuals. While this purpose aims to contribute to public safety, it has faced criticism regarding the effectiveness of long-term imprisonment as a solution to crime (Beckett & Sasson, 2004). Many argue that simply warehousing offenders does not address underlying issues such as addiction, mental illness, or socioeconomic factors.
3. Deterrence
Deterrence seeks to discourage criminal behavior among potential offenders through the threat of punishment. The effectiveness of deterrence is often debated, as studies show a mixed correlation between harsh sentencing and reduced crime rates (Nagin, 2013). Moreover, the current prison system has not sufficiently deterred repeat offenses, reflected in the high recidivism statistics that plague corrections.
4. Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation aims to transform offenders into law-abiding citizens through education, skill development, and psychological counseling. This approach, which seeks long-term solutions to criminal behavior, significantly contributes to successful reintegration. Nevertheless, the implementation of rehabilitation programs has faced numerous obstacles, including funding shortages, overcrowding, and a lack of trained staff (Petersilia, 2003).
Challenges Facing the Corrections System
1. Overcrowding
Overcrowding has become a significant issue within U.S. prisons. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly 2.3 million individuals were incarcerated in the United States as of 2019, leading to facilities operating beyond capacity (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2020). This overcrowding undermines the quality of care and rehabilitation services provided to inmates, making it difficult to foster an environment conducive to reform.
2. Insufficient Funding
Funding for correction facilities routinely falls short, affecting the availability and quality of rehabilitation programs. According to Pew Charitable Trusts (2019), many institutions are starved of resources, which limits educational opportunities, vocational training, and mental health services. These deficiencies contribute to high recidivism rates as inmates lack the necessary skills to successfully reintegrate into society.
3. Mental Health and Substance Abuse
A significant percentage of incarcerated individuals struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse problems. The National Institute of Mental Health (2017) estimates that about 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness, with a higher prevalence among incarcerated individuals. The lack of adequate mental health treatment in prisons exacerbates the cycle of recidivism, with high rates of relapse and reincarceration post-release (Cloud et al., 2016).
4. Lack of Staff Training
The ability of correctional staff to effectively address the needs of inmates is vital for successful rehabilitation. However, many correctional officers receive limited training in areas such as mental health issues and conflict mediation (Mackenzie, 2006). Insufficient staffing levels and inadequate training hinder staff from providing the necessary support aimed at rehabilitating inmates and managing their behavior efficiently.
5. Social Stigma
Former inmates often face stigma upon their release, making it difficult for them to find employment, housing, and adequate support (Davis, 2018). This perpetuates a cycle of reoffending, as the barriers to reintegration are high, leading to frustration and desperation among individuals who struggle to adapt to life after incarceration.
Conclusion
The challenges faced by the American corrections system are multifaceted and complex. The initial intentions behind prison establishments—rehabilitation, retribution, incapacitation, and deterrence—have been muddied by various systemic obstacles. To foster a more effective correctional system, efforts should focus on addressing overcrowding, enhancing funding for rehabilitation programs, providing mental health support, improving staff training, and combating social stigma. Through concerted efforts to tackle these challenges, we stand a better chance of transforming inmates back into productive members of society, ultimately creating a safer space for future generations.
References
1. Beckett, K., & Sasson, T. (2004). The Politics of Injustice: Crime and Punishment in America. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
2. Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2020). Prisoners in 2019. Retrieved from https://www.bjs.gov/
3. Cloud, D. H., et al. (2016). Addressing the Mental Health Needs of the Incarcerated. National Academy of Sciences.
4. Davis, A. J. (2018). Policing the New Jim Crow: Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System. Wiley.
5. Jenness, V. (2016). United States Prison System History. Retrieved from https://www.prisonhistory.com/
6. Kaeble, D. (2014). Recidivism of Prisoners Released in 30 States in 2012: Patterns from 2005 to 2010. Retrieved from https://www.bjs.gov/
7. Mackenzie, D. L. (2006). What Works in Corrections: Reducing the Criminal Activities of Offenders and Delinquents. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
8. Nagin, D. S. (2013). Deterrence in the Twenty-First Century. Crime and Justice, 42(1), 199-263.
9. Petersilia, J. (2003). When Prisoners Come Home: Parole and Prisoner Reentry. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
10. Pew Charitable Trusts. (2019). The State of Corrections. Retrieved from https://www.pewtrusts.org/