Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at Florida's faith and character based correctional facilities - the largest in the United States. The author examines the accountability, legal and ethical considerations in addition to the political and stakeholder issues regarding these institutions in an attempt to discover a potential benefit for society or a potential harm in having a governmental agency run completely faith-and character-based institutions. The paper gives a brief history of the development of faith and character based correctional facilities and then discusses issues such as accountability, legal and ethical considerations and political and stakeholder issues.
Outline:
Introduction / Basic Organizational Information
A Basic Background and History
Accountability
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Political and Stakeholder Issue
In summary
References
From the Paper Lawety was established as a Faith-and Character-Based Correctional Institution for men on December 24, 2003 and has a bed capacity of 835, making it the first Faith-and Character-Based Correctional Institution in the country. However, of importance is that by this time the Florida Department of Corrections had already been operating 10 Faith-and Character-Based Dormitories in several of their prisons. Florida Department of Corrections [FDC-E], Nd.; Florida Department of Corrections [FDC-F], Nd.). Hillsborough was created on April 14, 2004 for women with a housing capacity of 292 beds, and Wakula was created on March 1, 2006 with a bed capacity of 1,756 for men. (id).
Tags:crimeprisonfaithcorrectionalinstitutionflorida, jeb bush, society police
Abstract This paper discusses the difficulties when working in a correctionalinstitution. Correctional officers are in daily contact with murders, rapists and other violent offenders. It is often necessary for such facilities to expand, or to bring in more inmates, simply because of the nature of today's society. The paper reports that these needs put increased pressure on an already strained support system. Correctional officers are often underpaid and turnover can be high in correctional facilities. Desert View Modified Community CorrectionalInstitute has such a need to expand; however, the high rate of turnover among the correctional officers, in conjunction with the difficulty in hiring new officers, makes it difficult to maintain the staff needed for such an expansion. Such difficulty would make an expansion difficult and unsafe for the community.
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the extent of rapes within the U.S. prison system, with some especial attention being given to the phenomenon of gang rapes. The writer notes that understanding the extent of the problem as well as the major associated risks is an important first step in formulating some procedures by which the number of rapes within correctionsinstitutions can be significantly reduced. The writer points out that it is important to first note that eliminating the rape of prisoners will not come easily. In fact, it is unlikely that the problem will ever be completely eradicated. Nonetheless, the writer maintains that outlining a path that correctionsinstitutions can take in the short-term and the long-term is crucial if any headway is going to be made against the problem.
From the Paper "Attitudes regarding prison rape in the United States, unfortunately, are not conducive to reducing the incidence of prison rape. The public view the rape of men in prisons as a joke. Gags about dropping the soap in a prison shower are common and only reinforce the assumption that the rape of prisoners, at least men, is acceptable. Many have the attitude that prisoners somehow deserve what they get--after all, they did commit a crime and aren't in prison because they are fully innocent. Additionally, a culture of machismo in the United States contributes to the attitude that men who are raped aren't really men because they weren't able to fend off their attacker. Unfortunately for prisoners, these assumptions and attitudes only increase the possibility that they will have to face sexual assault without any social or institutional recourse. The fact is that victims of prison rape are rarely able to defend themselves, especially in cases of gang rape, when attackers are more numerous and are only too willing to resort to physical violence-even murder-to get what they want."
Abstract The paper relates that Vipassana techniques for federal correctionalinstitutions stem from experiments in prisons in the Republic of India that prove helpful to timeservers suffering from addictions, mental illness and apathy. The paper explains how Vipassana meditation teaches participants to clear the mind, achieve a new orientation of one's situation and relate better to others. The paper explores the success of Vipassana courses in Western prisons and concludes that in the Canadian context, one sees no objective reason as to why it might be unsuited to a federal institution.
Outline:
Rationale
Involved Parties
What is Offered
Orientation
Variables
Closing Gaps in Practice and Planning
Vipassana in Western Prisons Concluding Notes
From the Paper "This proposal was earlier developed for consideration by provincial corrections authorities and was suggested for a Federal facility. It pertains to basic Vipassana Meditation Training for timeservers to augment addictions and therapy modules that are presently provided in federal institutions. Vipassana techniques now taught in American and other prison settings stem from pioneering experiments in prisons of all kinds in the Republic of India to prove helpful to timeservers suffering from addictions, mental illness, and apathy. (Mazumdar 1981) Vipassana Meditation has shown its suitability in Third World and Western institutions. (See Fig II)"
Abstract Prison is an institution that society creates to confine people convicted of breaking the law. It is designed to be an institution that deters people from committing crimes, punishes and rehabilitates criminals, and protects the public by keeping dangerous offenders off the streets. It is important to study this social organization to gauge whether the manner in which society deals with criminality via prison is effective. In light of the evidence, it appears that the objectives of imprisonment do not match their desired effects. Prison has an economic basis and punishes crimes that are often committed by the poor. In many respects, the real criminality is committed by society, which criminalizes the poor by not allowing them the opportunity toward self-empowerment. Moreover, prison subtly supports established institutions, because by focusing on individual wrongs, it takes away attention from the inequity in social institutions.
Abstract This paper first examines the similarities in the Japanese and American correctionalinstitutions. The paper then discusses the differences in management between the two countries' correctional facilities. The paper describes how although the security levels in both countries' prisons are relatively the same, Japan, unlike the U.S., does not have privately operated prisons. The paper then goes on to describe how treatment of prisoners in Japanese prisons can be much more cruel and harsher than that of American prisons. Lastly, this paper examines how Japan seemingly puts more effort into continued rehabilitation after an inmate's release than the U.S.
From the Paper "The American Correctional System has many private prison systems all over the country. The Japanese Correctional System does not utilize private prison systems according to this author's research. Although the Japanese correctional institutes due participate in hard labor or prison labor for private corporations from time to time. This fact is supported by numerous websites that can be easily searched through any search engine.
"The security levels are much the same in Japan as they are in the United States. Both countries utilize solitary confinement. They both also classify the placement of their inmates according to the severity of their crimes."
Tags:crimeprison jail japan america prisoners, correctional system
Abstract The following paper discusses theories of criminal punishment and examines the advantages and disadvantages of incapacitation. The advantages and disadvantages of community programs are also reviewed and crime prevention strategies that work, do not work, and that are promising are also discussed. Finally, this paper concludes with a proposal to improve the effectiveness of incapacitation and community programs.
From the paper:
?Supporters of deterrence believe that if punishment is imposed upon a person who has committed a crime, the pain inflicted will dissuade the offender (specific deterrence) and others (general deterrence) from either repeating the crime or from committing similar crimes. Incapacitation deprives offenders of the ability or opportunity to commit further crimes that harm society. Rehabilitation seeks to prevent future criminal behavior by providing offenders with the education and treatment necessary to eliminate criminal tendencies, as well as the skills to become productive members of society.?
Abstract This paper talks about how the role of corrections has changed since the 1960?s. The focus is mainly on community-based corrections.
From the Paper " The poverty programs of the 1960's which failed to win the war on poverty but made strong impressions on the Nation, are of particular importance for corrections. The ideology underlying those programs suggested that persons of minority origin and low socio-economic status systematically are denied access to higher status in American society. They are persistently over represented among those who experience mental and physical illness, educational failure, unemployment, and crime and delinquency. Programs that attacked such systematic exclusion from higher status used varied techniques. emphasis on cultural awareness attempted to promote dignity and pride among minority groups, inserted minority history into America's records, and resulted in new group cohesion, political clout, and often militant reactions with newly discovered strength."
Abstract This paper examines the current trend toward privatization of certain services provided in correctionalinstitutions in the United States. The author approaches his research from an historical and financial perspective. Also considered heavily are human rights issues.
Introduction
Background and Major Players
Legal Issues
Other Considerations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Those who advocate and go against private involvement in prison handlings make different arguments in its favor. Many say that past trend and analysis have shown that government has been largely inefficient in this area. So, people look for better inefficiency in the private sector but the absence of market forces pose a problem. one group of American researchers concluded "From a purely economic perspective, there are so many elements of the profit mechanism missing from correctional industries that its implementation is at worst unfeasible, at best elusive" (Gandy & Hurl, 1987). Different studies conducted show that there is not a market difference in the efficiency and profitability between private and public sector. Majority of analysts hold the view that if economy and efficiency are considerations then private sector does not offer any major benefits rather state prisons, as a more politically viable option should try to work on improving its own efficiency by different means."
Abstract This paper deals with the controversial issue of prisoner rehabilitation or confinement. It presents an analysis of John Dilulio's book "Governing Prisons' and raises points of financial and administrative decisions which need to be made on a daily basis.
From the paper:
"There are so many different opinions on the best way to operate a prison. Should the prison's focus be on punishment or rehabilitation? Should money be spent to make prisoners more comfortable, or should the department of corrections spend that money to try to prevent crime, thereby reducing the prison population altogether? John Dilulio, in his book, Governing Prisons, discusses the administration factors in prisons, and makes claims that many times, administrative factors can and do have an affect on inmate life. These factors must also be taken into account when deciding how money and staffing resources should be used to best meet the needs of the staff and the inmates. There should also be steps taken to ensure community safety and reintegration into the community for the inmates. "
Abstract This paper discusses Florida's 10-20-life laws with regard to juvenile offenders. It begins by introducing gun crimes in general and then focuses on Florida laws specifically. The paper hypothesizes that juvenile offenders within Alachua county will be unaffected by the 10-20-life advertising campaigns and that the majority of youth offenders surveyed by the researcher will not grasp the severity of punishments for crimes committed with guns.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1:Introduction
Chapter 2:Literature Review
Chapter 3
Methodology
3.1 Procedures And Recruitment
3.2 Participants 3.3 Instrumentation 3.4 Data Management 3.5 Operationalization Of Variables
3.6 Design And Analysis
3.7 Compliance With Ethical Guidelines
Chapter 4:
Results
Chapter 5
Discussion
Conclusion Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C
Appendix D
From the Paper "In 1998, Governor Jeb Bush proposed a gun-crime law in Florida known as 10-20-life (775.087 of the Florida Statutes). Under 10-20-life, an offender who uses a gun to commit a crime would face at least 10 years in state prison. If that person shot the gun, 10-20-life increased the mandatory prison sentence to 20 years. If the offender shot someone, the 10-20-life law increased the mandatory prison sentence to 25 years to life. In addition, this proposal created a new mandatory three year prison term for any felon who even possessed a gun, regardless of whether the felon used the gun during a crime."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the issue of juvenile crimes. According to the paper, it appears to be that the states imposing the harshest punishments and consequences for juvenile crimes also have the highest crime and recidivism rates for the very juvenile offenders that they are attempting to rehabilitate. Florida is an example of such a state.
From the Paper "Another state-specific problem relating to the juvenile justice situation in Florida is the seriousness of offenses for which juveniles are transferred to the adult justice system. According to Macallair (2000), 28% of these youths were charged with violent offenses. The rest were charged only with minor offenses. The harshness of punishment in such cases appears to be disproportional to the crime. Indeed, Macallair states that the system was originally implemented to target the "worst of the worst". This does not appear to be the case in reality.
A further problem specific to Florida entails the disproportionate representation of race in cases transferred to the adult court system. According to Macallair's report, African American youths are 2.3 times more likely than their white counterparts to be transferred to the adult court system. "
Abstract This paper raises the issue of over-populated correction facilities. The reasons for this are evaluated. The paper presents an overview of the marketing strategies employed to combat the problem - private sector prisons, detention centers, work farms and so on. The downsides of these innovations are also discussed in this paper. Suggestions are made of how to prevent overcrowded prisons, by crime prevention programs and education.
From the Paper "Service development strategies within the prison systems seem to be lacking. While a lot of money is being poured into developing and building new prisons, there doesn"t seem to be that much money given to prevention programs, research programs, or even law enforcement programs. If there are to be services developed to control crime, then shouldn"t there be more services developed to prevent it in the first place? Take education programs?within the prison systems, there are programs developed to educate the prisoners to be productive, working people when released from prison."
Abstract This paper examines the problems associated with the current national movement in corrections known as offender reentry. The author considers the challenges that the released prisoners face, including integrating into their former communities and the probability of recidivism. Several viewpoints are considered in connection with prisoner reentry, ranging from those in favor of prisoners serving sentences without the possibility of release to prisoners being given skills, such as job training, to facilitate their integration into society. The Second Chance Act, legislation to facilitate prisoner reentry, is described at length.
Outline:
Second Chance Act
The Institutional Phase
The Step-Down Phase
Community Release Phase
Aftercare Services
References
From the Paper "Challenges presented by reentry, along with concerns regarding ex-offenders returning to their former communities, range from the released individual posing a danger to their former victims to extra expenses related to a crime being committed to the ex-offender not being reestablished and committing another crime. As most offenders eventually return to their home communities, however, counters that contribute to an ex-prisoner becoming a positive part of society need to be assessed and addressed. '"We know from long experience that if they [ex-offenders] can't find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit crime and return to prison." (Ibid.) "
Abstract This paper identifies three different types of U.S. prisons and looks at several attributes of each. The three prisons that are looked at are private (Corrections Corporation of America, or CCA), state (State of Illinois), and federal. A comparison is made of each of the prisons, and some of the programs and ideologies are also discussed with some personal input from the author.
Outline
Background
History
Private
State
Federal
Organizations
Private
CCA Mission Statement
Background
Recidivism Rate
Programs
Religious Programs
State of Illinois
Background
Mission Statement
Recidivism Rate
Prisoner Population
Facilities Types
Programs
Work Program
PAWS
Day Camps
Release Preparation
Mental Health
Substance Abuse
Education
Federal
Background
Mission Statement
Growth of the Federal Inmate Population
Prisoner Distribution
Programs
Classification and Unit Management
Institution Designation and Orientation
Work Programs
Education, Vocational Training and Job Training
Substance Abuse Treatment
Mental Health Treatment and Counseling
Religious Programs
References
From the Paper "The majority of CCA's institutions have earned the merit of being accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA). Accreditation by the ACA requires adherence to nearly 500 standards in facility design and operation. The remaining facilities are preparing for the accreditation process. Few public agencies can equal this record. One major standard that has raised some concern is the amount of training that a private officer receives. CCA adheres to the requirements set by the ACA. Each officer initially will receive one hundred and sixty hours of training and then continue with an additional forty hours of training each year. At county level, most corrections officers have two hundred hours of training initially, but then are not required to attend additional training other than a weapons qualification once each year."
