Tony Lee Merriwether
CJA/394
May 22, 2014
Ken Jones
Corrections Trend Evaluation This paper is the writer’s evaluation based on research of past, present, and future correction trends in regard to the development and implementation of institutional and community based corrections. There is an urgent need to revamp the antiquated practice of the crime control methodology. The get tough on crime approach requires harsh sentencing laws that subject non-violent offenders to harsh sentencing laws. This has dramatically contributed to escalated prison populations. Rehilibation and retribution is ineffective and has resulted in high recidivism rates. Inadequate rehabilitation programs that lack …show more content…
The get tough on crime, or crime control method of justice is a proven failure and the corrections system is faced with the task of revamping the system that reduces costs and addresses rehabilitation in serious manner. The switch to alternative sentencing is the new trend in regard to punishing criminals. Alternative sentencing already affects almost twice the number of persons convicted of crimes. The prison population is aging and the medical cost of these inmates is at levels that could not have been anticipated. The prisons are old and out dated and do dot conform to the needs of the aging prisoners. Specialized medical needs, inadequate space, and structural designs that are needed to make access to the prison facilities easier for older prisoners are not in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ACT). This …show more content…
The general public did not feel safe in their communities. This prompted a get tough on crime approach that was based on the crime control model. This system was designed to incarcerate offenders for extended periods of time. Public sentiment drives the legislative process in regard to the laws that are enacted to control crime. There is also the belief that the politicians are solely responsible for the laws. The writer believes that the will of the citizens ultimately drives the legislation. There is evidentiary support provided to support this. The enactment of three criteria regarding sentencing is an example of the citizens not feeling safe in their communities and the politicians reacting by passing laws that represent their sentiment. The sentencing called for enhanced punishments for repeat or habitual offenders, determinate sentencing, and safeguards that provided fair and equitable punishments regardless of the racial and ethnic make-up of the accused. There was legislation enacted that ensured that sentencing adhered to a standard that is non-discriminatory in nature and delivered just deserts to the offenders. There were two legislative mandates that were enacted to provide oversight and regulate sentencing. The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 and the Sentencing Reform Act are interrelated in that one regulates the other. The Crime Control law focuses on