The State of Prisons

            The article, “U.S. Prisons Myth vs. Mayhem” by Frank Trippett examines the state of American prisons and what can be done to correct its shortfalls. A major problem with American prisons is the outdated idea that prison reduces criminality in society and that it reforms prisoners through tough justice. Studies have shown the error in this assumption as recidivism and violence take a toll on society and prison alike. Trippett asserts that the unchecked violence in prisons harden non-violent criminals and make them more likely to be released into society with normalized anti-social tendencies and behaviors. Instead, he suggests, prisons should abandon the traditional hard attitude and look for ways to improve inmates in order to change them in a lasting way.

            My view on prisons is that it should be used as a last resort for violent criminals who display no hope for reform. For non-violent criminals and first time offenders, I believe in incarceration away from their more violent counterparts, and a sentence based more on rehabilitation rather than straight punishment. I also believe that for better rehabilitation and lower recidivism, correctional officials and local communities should jointly work out projects to keep non-violent offenders occupied and allow them to pay back to the community. Akin to Chinese “Reform Through Labor”  theory, (Without the political brainwashing and human rights abuses), allowing the offenders to work in the community allows them to channel their energies into something constructive and helps train them with technical skills and discipline that would be useful when they return to society.

            One interesting things I learned from this article is the diversity in prison conditions around the country. I have heard many criticisms of the prison system as being too soft on prisoners and allowing prisoners too many luxuries, while some prisons are deemed unconstitutionally bad. This phenomena probably comes down to money as well. I won’t be surprised if these “soft prisons” are located in more affluent areas for a certain clientele of prisoners while the unconstitutionally bad prisons are meant for the rest of America’s convicts.