The Pros And Cons Of Prisoners Are Tomorrow's Neighbors
"Today's Prisoners Are Tomorrow's Neighbors" Mass Incarceration is a complex and undervalued issue in the United States. Unfortunately, not everyone gives much thought to the disparities plaguing the system, the treatment of nonviolent and even violent offenders within it, and the impact of the system. In particular, the impact of mass incarceration on the families of convicts, the people left behind, and the communities in which they are taken from. So while there are many positive and constructive results from a community sending more convicts to prison, there are just as many detrimental and harmful effects as well. A community is always aided in certain ways when dangerous criminals are sent away to prison. It can increase the safety
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For example, the burden on families when a primary breadwinner is sent away can take a toll on already struggling families (Clear, Rose, & Ryder). Not to mention that a number of families still help support convicts while they are in prison, from sending money to commissary to visitations that can cost a lot to travel to. The incarceration of a spouse or parent can also lead to an emotional payment as well. All of the decisions and responsibilities may fall on the person left behind increasing levels of stress. Children can suffer from not having both parents in the household, and dual support. Therefore, when communities as a whole send away a large number of convicts, large numbers of families within are effected by default. The stigma attached to a released convict, and family by extension, may isolate them as well (Clear, Rose, & Ryder). This can lessen the chances of friendships to develop with others in the community, and destroy already current bonds. There could be a strong consequential negative impact on informal social control in improving the neighborhood. Informal Social control is an essential part of controlling crime in communities, and requires a strong network (Silver & Miller). Therefore, sending large amounts of convicts to prison, who eventually come back, can be a limit on this form of social
For example, the burden on families when a primary breadwinner is sent away can take a toll on already struggling families (Clear, Rose, & Ryder). Not to mention that a number of families still help support convicts while they are in prison, from sending money to commissary to visitations that can cost a lot to travel to. The incarceration of a spouse or parent can also lead to an emotional payment as well. All of the decisions and responsibilities may fall on the person left behind increasing levels of stress. Children can suffer from not having both parents in the household, and dual support. Therefore, when communities as a whole send away a large number of convicts, large numbers of families within are effected by default. The stigma attached to a released convict, and family by extension, may isolate them as well (Clear, Rose, & Ryder). This can lessen the chances of friendships to develop with others in the community, and destroy already current bonds. There could be a strong consequential negative impact on informal social control in improving the neighborhood. Informal Social control is an essential part of controlling crime in communities, and requires a strong network (Silver & Miller). Therefore, sending large amounts of convicts to prison, who eventually come back, can be a limit on this form of social