Prison Violence

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses the different types of violence that occur within prisons. The writer then looks at reasons why such violence occurs and also discusses what could be done to improve the situation. In addition, by looking at violence between prisoners, that includes aggression involving prison staff, the paper consider how this violence affects both parties. The writer points out that there is a need for the government to understand that there are ways to be economical, without putting the lives of prison staff and inmates at risk. The writer concludes that at the end of the day, there really is no alternative and funds must be ensured in order maintain effective safe and secure correctional facilities for prison officers, staff, and inmates.

Outline:
Introduction
The Extent and Diversity of Violence within the US Prison System
Inmate Violence and Conditions
Staff Brutality towards Inmates
Trying to Ebb the Flow
The Effects of Violence on Inmates and Prison Staff
Conclusion

From the Paper:

Conditions, according to Kate Randell, are horrendous, and include, "overflowing toilets and pipes; toxic and unsanitary environments; prisoners forced to sleep on filthy floors without mattresses; cells infested with vermin and lacking ventilation" (Kate Randell, Online Article, 1998). Many prisons also have inadequate policies and procedures, concerning the use of force, and prison staff is often deficient in adequate training. Gangs control the majority of inmates within prisons throughout the United States, and violent behavior, including that of bullying, beatings, stabbings, sexual assault, rape, and murder, are all daily events. Each gang has its own dress code, rules, and initiation ceremonies, and is responsible for much of the violence that occurs within correctional institutions.

Sample of Sources Used:

• Human Rights Watch, Online Article, No Escape: Male Rape in US Prisons, 2001. Information retrieved, 04/11/2007.<http://www.hrw.org/reports/2001/prison/report6.html>
• Human Rights Watch, Online Article, Use of Force, 1999. Information retrieved, 04/11/2007.< http://www.hrw.org/reports/1999/redonion/Rospfin-07.htm>
• Kate Randell, Online Article, Violence and brutality in the prison system, 1998. Information retrieved 04/12/2007. < http://www.wsws.org/news/1998/nov1998/amn-n06.shtml>
• Norman Seabrook, Prison Violence on the Rise. Magazine Article: USA Today. Volume: 134. Issue: 2724. Publication Date: September 2005. Page Number: 28+. COPYRIGHT 2005 Society for the Advancement of Education; COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
• Stephen Donaldson, Can We Put an End to Inmate Rape? Magazine Article, USA Today. Volume: 123. Issue: 2600. Publication Date: May 1995. Page Number: 40+. COPYRIGHT 1995 Society for the Advancement of Education; COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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• Persuasive Essay # 111451 : "Prison Violence"

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