Supermax Prison Essay

The topic of the discussion throughout this paper will be about the supermax prison, outlining issues that these facilities face, as well as issues that the staff face that work in these types of prisons. Examine how contraband and riots become issues for the facility, and lastly discuss whether this style of incarceration is favorable or non-favorable.
In order to discuss or answer questions about a supermax prison, it must first be defined. A supermax prison is a highly restrictive, high custody housing unit within a secure facility, that isolates inmates from the general prison population and from each other due to grievous crimes, repetitive assaultive or violent institutional behavior, the threat of escape or actual escape from high custody facility, or inciting or threatening to incite disturbances in a correctional institution (Riveland, 1999). The overall security of a supermax prison is the highest level available in an institution or correctional system.
Now that supermax prison has been defined, let’s go over issues these facilities face in their operation. Supermax housing is problematic due to the criteria for placement in and release of inmates in these facilities
One area of discussion is, “What are some staff issues?” In an environment that prioritize human control and isolation, presents staff with extraordinary challenges. Riveland, (1999) writes about several staff issues, one being characteristics, which ideally is one of maturity, intelligence, and good judgement. Another supermax staff issue is recruitment and selection. Also, adequate training; stress; and leadership and supervision. It is very difficult working in an abnormal setting of a supermax prison, where behavioral and management problems are encountered every day. Which brings us to riots and contrabands, and the issues both of these bring, to the facility and