Education Vs Incarceration
I would start my argument with education being a vital program for our prisoners. It is estimated that 37 percent of state and federal inmates have neither a high school degree nor GED (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). I would stress the difficulties, without these credentials, a convicted criminal would have in obtaining a job and the likelihood of being rearrested for a future crime. I would point out that groups like the Fortune Society, Correctional Association of New York, and the Rand Corporation have all demonstrated the cost effectiveness of education versus incarceration and the positive effects on recidivism (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). Also, incentives to shorten sentences for completing certain programs would both increase participation
and alleviate overcrowding issues.
Recreation would be a program I support and would stress to my boss the benefits of including it. First, it is no secret that being incarcerated is a stressful time for an inmate. Recreation is a way to relieve some of that stress in a healthy way (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). Recreation can prevent assaults, making a safer environment for staff and prisoners (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). It also acts as a reward for following the rules and teaches healthy lifestyles, which can lower costs for prisoner’s medical needs (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). This is also why a health care program should be implemented as it offers several benefits. “Investments in prisoner health care mean fewer correctional disturbances, disciplinary actions, and inmate injuries and less negative publicity for the institution” (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015, p. 241).
Industry programs offers inmate’s job skills, which I would advocate for because these skills can directly impact their ability to obtain a job once released. I do not however believe running an industry program that jeopardizes jobs of free society is beneficial. Perhaps a work release program that actually gives local industry free labor while also acing as a job interview for future employment once the prisoner is released could benefit both society and the corrections facility.
Resource:
Schmalleger, F., & Smykla, J. (2015). Corrections in the 21st century. Retrieved from https://www.betheluniversityonline.net/
and alleviate overcrowding issues.
Recreation would be a program I support and would stress to my boss the benefits of including it. First, it is no secret that being incarcerated is a stressful time for an inmate. Recreation is a way to relieve some of that stress in a healthy way (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). Recreation can prevent assaults, making a safer environment for staff and prisoners (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). It also acts as a reward for following the rules and teaches healthy lifestyles, which can lower costs for prisoner’s medical needs (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). This is also why a health care program should be implemented as it offers several benefits. “Investments in prisoner health care mean fewer correctional disturbances, disciplinary actions, and inmate injuries and less negative publicity for the institution” (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015, p. 241).
Industry programs offers inmate’s job skills, which I would advocate for because these skills can directly impact their ability to obtain a job once released. I do not however believe running an industry program that jeopardizes jobs of free society is beneficial. Perhaps a work release program that actually gives local industry free labor while also acing as a job interview for future employment once the prisoner is released could benefit both society and the corrections facility.
Resource:
Schmalleger, F., & Smykla, J. (2015). Corrections in the 21st century. Retrieved from https://www.betheluniversityonline.net/