Prison Reform : Should We Change It or Keep It The
Prison Reform: Should We Change It or Keep It The Same?
Tracy I. Moultrie
SouthUniversity
Composition II ENG1200 03
Carolyn Horner
December 1,2015
Abstract
This paperdiscusses possible implications of prison reform. The debate overwhether change needs to happenhas been widely debated.There are manypolicies and some very insightful information about what is being done in prison. This paper discusses opposing views on this topic. Theoneview wants the change and discussesprograms needed for reform.Anotherperspective does not want the reform andbelievesit would be better tokeep the prison system the same.
Prison Reform: Should We Change It or Keep It The Same?
Growing up,Jerome Jackson hasonlyknown drugs, violence, and being poor.For himthere was no better way of life.Jerome did not do well in school or sports. He had no positive influences growing up in a life of crime. Jerome’s father was also in and out of jail and not part of his upbringing.Sadly,this is what many low income families face.
Many sell drugs in order to survive.Others turn to other illegal activities to make a quick dollar. Then as most do,Jerome was arrested and given an attorney since hecouldnotafford one.Theattorneyassigned to Jeromedoesnotcare abouthiscase sincehe is veryoverworked with about 50-100othercases.Suppose Jerome Jackson had a better lawyer? What if Jerome grew up in a loving home filled with understanding? Would he even need a lawyer?
Some sayprisons are running just fine. People saysocietyneedsto change or reform and whilesocietydoesneed to make some changes,societydoesnot need to change our entire system. In factsocietyhave programs in place to already help our prisons and prisoners. One of these is education but many prisoners donot take advantage of that. Then there is overcrowding but we want to privatize it and it will have the same cost effectiveness. Privatization is good because we can rebuild or add more prisons to the ever growing incarcerated population.Lastly our rehabilitations are working and you will see that with our statistics that even though it is slow going it is working.
To understand the prison one must first understand the many facets of prison. There are federal and state prisons which are more common. Then there are county jails wherea sheriffmight holda prisonerfor a night or waiting for their trial. Most prisoners who have not committed a violent crime are sentencedfor longer periods than a person whohascommitted a violent crime. An exampleissomeone whois selling cocaine is given 15 years but anotherperson whohasbrutally raped someone is given five years. This happened because President Nixon had singled out drugs,andhe was acampaign for war on drugs. So anypersonwho committed a crimeinvolvingdrugsreceived a higher sentence than a person who committed a violent crime.
Remember Jerome Jackson think back to his background and how it affected him as an adult. Jerome who has no way of achieving the American Dream as many say because of the situation he was brought into gave way to a life of crime. Jeromewas born to a crack addicted mother and his father was in a gang and died early in his childhood. Jerome had no choice but to survive the best he knew.Jerome turned to drugs and a life of crime by selling drugs in order to make a living to survive. Jerome gets arrested and his first conviction is 5 years with no possibility of parole. So Jerome serves his time and is released. Only to find that no one will hire him and his parole officer is not willing to help him. Jerome sees no choice but to sell drugs again but of course is arrested again. Now Jerome faces 20 years to life inside of a cell for a non-violent crime.
Snyder,(2015)states,”Michael had a history of untreated depression and alcoholism, which paved the way for his later formed cocaine addiction. When Michael had his first son he took on longer hours at work and traveled more in an effort to support his family. Unfortunately, this scheduled proved to be too taxing for Michael, and so he experimented with cocaine hoping that it would provide him with enough energy to keep up. As a result, he was fired from his job, his marriage ended, and he lost custody of his son. Michael then enrolled in drug treatment and kicked his cocaine habit, which allowed him to get a new job, regain sole custody of his son, and purchase his first home. Sadly, Michael once more turned to drugs to help him perform better on the job and keep up with his new life, this time trying methamphetamine. The methamphetaminetook control of Michael’s life, he lost his son, his job, his home, and thus began to sell marijuana and methamphetamine in order to support his addiction. Michael was sentenced to fifteen years total, ten years for the drug trafficking charges, and an additional five year enhancement for his possession of a firearm.”People say there is not a problem with the prisonsystem, how when there are so many tragic stories such as this one.
Men are also not exempt to the overcrowding. Women are also contributing to factor and statistics. Since many women want to protect their dealeror handler many go to prison. Many of these women can be pregnant and due give birth while incarcerated. These women grew up poor and some were sold in to prostitution by their own mother’s for drugs. Many women feel as if there is no other hope for them because nothing has ever changed.
Some people might ask why do we educate prisoners and the fact is that education transform’s peoplefor the better. Even people who have life sentences get some kind of education while serving time.The fact isthat most prisoners will leave after having served their time but while serving their time they get a degree and can better their life. Now this prisoner is college educated and can find a job that they would not have had before.The problem many prisoners face is that no one will hire them because of the felony attached to them.
Societyarguesteaching our children a society without prisons is great maybe in the fantasy world but not real life. Agid, Bennett, and,Drabinski(2010)statedthat “Angela Davis begins her influential book A re Prisons Obsolete? by pointing out how naturalized the system of mass incarceration has become in the United States. She observes that “the prison is considered an inevitable and permanent feature of our social Uves,” rendering the very idea of prison abolition “unthinkable and implausible” (9). For many, even if we might think current models of imprisonment are untenable – that there is something wrong with putting millions of people incages in an attempt to solve social problems – doing away with prisons absolutely just seems impossible, politically and morally. It is as if the logic of incarceration has become so inexorable that we simply cannot imagine our Uves or our safety without prisons.” Whilethere isalwaysa way tofix prisonssocietywill never be rid of it. As long as there is crime there will be prisons.The ideaof getting rid of prisons all together is justinsane. The focus should be on the United Statescurrent conditions of prisons and the current programs. There is always room for improvement.
Whatsocietydidnot know was that this would lead to over population inthe United Statesprisons. In fact the states are trying to build more because some prisons do not have any room left. Richards,(2005)states “At year-end 2003 there were more than 1,500 state prisons in operation across the country, with more than 1.2 million prisoners confined within them.” This in fact points to the high rate of prison population. How cansocietybe better by locking people up who made some baddecisionsthatthey are now paying with their life. There is even a growing rate for women in prison as well and it continues to climb. A lot of prisoners are parents who can’t be there for their kids who need them the most. Aspeopleall know children normally will do better when both parents are involved but that’s just not possible for a prisoner.
Jerome was given a state attorney who was also overloaded with cases and received a sub-standard representationboth times he was convicted. Jerome also at this time hadtwo kids and will now be locked up for a good portion of their lives. Jerome willnot be part of hiskid’slife.The mother of his children will not allow the kids to come tothejailto visitand now Jerome is completely alone with no way to fix the mess he has found himself in.Jerome now seeks the programs theprisonsystem has in place.
One way to help is a system callednudging Duglash,(2013)states “For example, instead of asking the state to provide drug treatment to all addicted prisoners, prisons can post the phone numbers for free drug treatment programs (run by outside nonprofits) on prison bulletin boards and give prisoners access to phones that would let them take advantage of them. The Spring Hill prison in Grendon Underwood, England, does just that. Similarly, reorienting the role of correctional officers so that their primary purpose is to help prisoners make the most of their time in prison and succeed afterward, as Singapore has done, can reduce recidivism without increasing costs.Nudges could also be effective in prisoner education. Many prisoners have difficulty reading: it’s estimated that 30 percent of the Philadelphia prison population reads at a second- or third-grade level, according to a 2010 article in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Renewed emphasis on developing literacy may be a critical stepping stone in helping prisoners gain employment. Many subtle nudges can help improve literacy rates. Prisoners can be given rooms with bookshelves filled with books donated from local organizations.
They could be given a choice of afternoon extracurricular activities that consist of a few unpalatable options (e.g., weeding in the yard) or reading with a volunteer tutor; this wouldn’t force them to focus on literacy but would nudge them in that direction. There could be minor incentives (e.g., dessert at meal times) given to prisoners who read at least two books a week. None of these practices amounts to a “full push,” but all of them improve the likelihood of achieving a socially beneficial outcome at an incredibly low cost. Nudges could provide crucial support to educational programs in prison.”
Nudging has seemed to help with the problem of societies current prisoners. Not only does nudging have effective ways for the prison system but also provides the numbers to back it up. Many would not like to see this come to light since most of society would rather take theprofit, rather than use a system which could solve many problems currently. While this might be dramatic to many society must look at the future outlook. Given that many are still debating prison reform we might not see nudging until much later in the future or until other states adopt it.
The rehabilitation programs are effectivethough.Rehabilitating criminals has become a highly debated topic throughout the U.S.andit has multipleresearchthat is valid. With the majority of criminals being repeat offenders, the government has made rehabilitation a top priority. Research over the last twenty five years has shown that some programs are more effective than others. The ones most tested were the substance abuse, the domestic violence and the sex offender treatment programs. Assessments involved reviewing the curricula, observing classes, and interviewing staff and program participants. Even though most say rehabilitation does not work maybesociety has just not found the right assessments for it.
Privatization is good for the economy and can work with addedbenefits the reform doesnot give. In fact Jing, Y.,(2010)stated “It is more meaningful and viable to investigateits practicalpatterns than tofind an accurate definition.In general, twofundamental modalities ofprivatizationcan beidentified.Privatization can work through sale ofassetsor shedding of functions that are nolonger perceivedas appropriate for public ownership or operation. Underlying this modality is the new conceptualizationand prescription for the proper scope ofgovernment.
The second modality of privatization, which is used in this research, refers to thesubstitutionof the privatesectorforgovernment agencies in carryingout governmental responsibilities through contracting out, voucher or other means. The substitutive effect is reflected by public financing, delegation of authority,private delivery of governmental services,andprobably newgovernment regulations. These two modalities of privatization have respective concerns on “what todo” and “howto do,” althoughthey often coexistin privatization practices.”
So not onlycan the private sector for prisons be used,it also can be reused. Even though it may seem wrong to make money off of prisons it is not something new.Jing, Y. (2010)alsostates”Making profitthrough punishment is nothing new inthe US. Compatible with the pervasive penetration by the private sector in criminal justice practicein the19thcentury, private imprisonmentwasa common practice.Private prisonsemerged for many reasonsincludingthe gradual abolishmentofcorporal punishment, the insufficient capacity of public prisons,andthe commercial interest of the privatesector to use convictlabor.” The point is that prisons have always givensome sort of profit and that privatization can offer a better waythan in the past.
Rehabilitation is an important part of our prison system though there may not be a lot of positive feedback. There is even less money to support these programs which is why privatization would help fund those programs. It is possible that with state or grant funding, enthusiastic attitudes from facilitators will make it feasible to implement these programs in the future.
There is a lot of negative arguments against the current prison system in the U.S., but we can show that there are many effective programs that are run with high probability of success. There is also a wealth of information given on how privatization works and givessocietya great way to be properly informed. There is even college education being given to prisoners to better themselves. If the prison system is wrong then how can it be made better? There is no way prisons and the overcrowding canbeaddressed ifsocietydoesnot build better buildings. Theprison system has problemssocietyknowsthisalready. There is also a great amount of research being done to fix the problems prisons currently have.
Rehabilitation for peoplethat have served time is a joke. Most when released owe the state money for fees for the courts and also fines. Prisoners who are released have a difficult time finding jobs. Most will go back to selling drugs because that is the only way prisonerscan make money to surviveoutside of prison. Some will violate parole and return to prison. Very fewprisonersmake it after prison with the only reason being that they have proper supportfrom family and friends. The prisonerswerealsoable to hold on to a joband keep it. How does societycall this justice when the cycle just repeats itself? The prison rehabilitation program needs to work for all those involved not just the small percentage of prisoners who make it after prison. Whilemany peoplemight think it’s a waste of money to spend on prisoners to help them but most donot get the second chance likeothersdo.
Jerome who is released after serving 20 years in prison enters society and has a many things to do in order to stay out of jail. First Jerome has a parole officer who he has to meet and keep the appointments. Second Jerome must maintain a job and stay away from any involvement with drugs. Third Jerome has to pay the statefor the years he served and for the attorney he could not afford. Last but not least while Jerome may be free he really is not since if at any time he violates his parole officer or any of the court orders he will be thrown back in to jail.
Jerome though educated because he spent time inprisongetting a degree and doing job training cannot find anyone to hire him. Since it is a requirement on job applications for you tostate if you have ever been convicted most employers will not hire a felon. Jerome also cannot use any of thestate fundedprograms to help those in need of social services. Jerome who nowhas to pay an absurd amount back to the state finds that getting his life back on track might not be as easy as many make it seem.
Sarat,(2014), states”Repulsive prisons are everywhere, blotting out whole sections of the rural landscape of contemporary America, or, inside the cities, compressed into vertical slabs of blank walls fenestrated only with mirrors. These eyesores reek of the industrialization of incarceration, of the huge business of prison. Like most establishments dedicated to the service of mass markets, there is a disposable quality, a form that follows the function of processing and rending. The stink of the abattoir hides behind impassive, silent walls and inside cloned boxes squatting inside miles of chain-link fence.”This statement says it all and also holds a true testament to what a prison is for some prisoners. Society’s prisons today are a disgusting and infected people with judgement and harsh criticism.
In Jerome’s case he was finally able to find a job with construction and was able to start paying back the state.The only thing is since the amount Jerome owes is so high he will not be finished untilhe reaches65 years old. The problem is alsoJerome’sparole officer will only meet with him whenit fits theconvenience ofhisparole officer.The other problem is that Jerome’s boss has no knowledge of his felony charges. Jerome didfinallycome clean to his boss and because of his work ethic his boss allowed him to keep his and make it to his meeting. Jerome’s family also gave him a place to eat and stay until he could afford it on his own.Jerome also was able to meet with his kids after years of not being allowed to see them. Jerome’s relationship is strained but is on the mend with his kids.Jerome had to catch a lot of breaks from family, friends, and his employer in order for him to make it.Jerome currently is working still and keeping his word to stay away from a life of crime, he is now 45 years old.
Successfully reformed prisons should be replicated to reduce overcrowding.In most cases prisoners return to prison after they are released because they cannot meet the standardssociety has placed onthem. Since there has been only debates on the prison system nothing has changed and the prison population has risen to the point of overcrowding. Regardless of the different points of view orcurrentstance stories like Jerome Jackson are tragic and societyas well as politiciansshould change it.
References
Agid, S., Bennett, M., ; Drabinski, K. (2010). Introduction: Teaching against the prison industrial complex.Radical Teacher, (88), 3-6, 79-80. Retrieved fromhttp://search.proquest.com/docview/755430542?accountid=87314
Dlugash, M. (2013). “Nudging”prisons: Newhope forrealprisonreform.Kennedy School Review, 13,50-55.Retrieved from www.harvardkennedyschoolreview.com
Federal Bureau of Prisons. (2015, September 23) Statistics. Retrieved fromhttps://www.bop.gov/about/statistics/
Jing, Y. (2010).Prison privatization: A study of the causes and magnitude. New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Richards, S. C. (2005). State Prison System. In M. Bosworth, Encyclopedia of prisons and correctional facilities. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Retrieved fromhttp://thecampuscommon.com/library/ezproxy/ticketdemocs.asp?sch=suo;turl=http%3A%2F%2Fliterati.credoreference.com.southuniversity.libproxy.edmc.edu%2Fcontent%2Fentry%2Fsageprisons%2Fstate_prison_system%2F0
Sarat, A. (2014).Thebeautifulprison. Bingley, U.K.: Emerald Group Publishing. Retrieved from EBSCO Publishing: eBook Collection (EBSCOhost) – printed on 11/9/2015 12:18 AM via South Univ Savannah Campus AN: 799349 ; Sarat, Austin.; The Beautiful Prison Account: soc1
Snyder, D. (2015). Onesize does not fit all: Alook at the disproportionate effects of federal mandatory minimum drug sentences on racial minorities and how they have contributed to the degradation of the underprivileged African-American family.Hamline University’s School of Law’s Journal of Public Law and Policy, 36(1), 4.
