Prison Construction

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the political issues that are being debated over the rapid increase in prison construction that has occurred in the last decade in the United States. The paper discusses which other groups would benefit from a decline in funding to prison construction, as they would receive more funding for their groups. It then discusses future changes for the department of corrections and how this may affect the funding they receive.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Groups Likely to Benefit
Groups Benefiting from Prison Construction
Threats and Opportunities for Funding Decline
Future Changes for the Department of Corrections
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"As with each new administration either on the federal level or the state level, the department of corrections will face new changes. It will depend greatly upon the perspective of the legislators involved. If a new legislator comes in with a hard-line approach to crime, then the budget for the department of corrections will increase as the need for prisons and staff will undoubtedly increase. The department of corrections will definitely have an influence in the matter because the DOC will be able to explain how over-crowding and staff shortages affect not only the inmates but the morale of the staff. This added stress adds a force to the statement, "If you are going to increase the prison population, give us the necessary resources to manage it." It is proven that lower prison populations make it easier to manage in terms of less violence amongst inmates, less chances of gangs forming, and less chances of riots."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Greene, J & Pranis, K. (2005). Alabama Prison Crisis: A Justice Strategies Policy Report. Retrieved from: http://www.justicestrategies.net/Alabama_Prison_Crisis_Oct_2005.pdf on May 7, 2007.
• Hupp, Staci. (2003). Study: Prisons Don't Help Cities Grow. The Des Moines Register. Retrieved from: http://www.soc.iastate.edu/soc130Sec1/Community02.html on May 7, 2007.
• Stojkovic, Kalinich & Klofas. (2003). The Criminal Justice System in its Environment: Criminal Justice Organizations. Chapter 3, pp. 75-76.

More papers on Prison Construction:

• Persuasive Essay # 10811 : "Prison-Industrial Complex"
• Article Review # 27556 : "Jail and Prison Design"
• Essay # 29856 : "Prison Libraries"

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