Koror Jail Rehabilitation

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Koror Jail Palau

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Corrections is a large part of the Criminal Justice system in every part of the world. As long as there is crime there will be a need for Corrections. And as long as there is Corrections there will be a discussion on what is the best way to efficiently perform this essential part of the criminal justice system. In the United States we spend around $80 billion per year on housing inmates in the various correctional facilities throughout the country. This enormous amount of money provides housing, food, medical and other necessities for the 707 adults per 100,000 population that are part of the corrections system. Many countries could never afford a budget so exaggeratedly high for their entire Criminal Justice system let alone the Corrections aspect of it. These
In most prisons those tools would be immediately used to send a message to a rival group or to retaliate for a previous attack. The inmates are also taught to make traditional jewelry from turtle shell that is also sold in the inmate store.
This incentive is highly coveted in Koror and the rehabilitation aspect is monumental.
The inmates behave so they may be granted the privilege of learning and practicing these arts. They continue the good behavior so they might see the fruits of their labors.
Culture is a key attribute in this incentive. The cultural and traditional respect shown with the artwork speaks to the inmates. The lack of a clearly defined culture in our society limits the effectiveness of this type of incentive. The inmates, like those in our country, are also allowed to enroll in GED programs and classes. The difference between our schooling programs and that of Koror is that inmates occasionally are permitted by court order to attend the Palau Community College or work outside the jail during the day. It makes the jail almost like our halfway houses. There is a curfew and supervision but some liberties are allowed so that inmates may reenter society with skills and
They are not teaching them how to survive a harsh environment or how to smuggle contraband or a myriad of other things many learn in the school of crime. Instead these senior inmates teach the newer inmates about respect and how to get there lives in order and lower the recidivism rate. This too is possible because of the culture of the Republic. Since they are all from the same background and culture, a culture that preaches respect for the elders, the pupils accept the advice given. While there are various cultures, races, religions and traditions in our prison system, a similar structure might be able to help rehabilitate inmates. If newer offenders could learn from the mistakes of those that have come before them and make a goal to not return to the system, the recidivism rate could be lower.
The many different programs and incentives used at the Koror Jail in Palau work perfectly within the culture of the island. Similar programs or incentives would be difficult to implement in a system like ours, unless it was in a rural small town jail. The
Division of Corrections has found a way to cut costs and make inmates happier,