What are the implications of prison overcrowding and are more prisons the answer?

What are the implications of prison overcrowding and are more prisons the answer

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Prison overcrowding is a serious issue in the US calling for urgent policies to address . As noted by Professor Craig Haney in `prison overcrowding : harmful consequences and dysfunctional reactions ' the number of prisoners has been rising at unprecedented rates since the 1970 's and early 80 's . The number of inmates became so high that the prison staff could not identify them by name or even track their locations

. The influx of inmates however failed to match the funding or rather the finances allocated a factor that contributed by a large extent to the inefficiencies in the prison systems as correctional facilities . When prisons are overcrowded chances that the inmates will be worse off on release into the society are higher than would have been had the number been contained to manageable numbers . This will focus on establishing the implications of prison overcrowding not only in California prison system but also in other national correctional facilities

California which is one of the largest prison systems in the US is so overcrowded that some inmates are accommodated in the gyms as well as the hallways . This precipitated the establishment of a plan for the construction of a giant prison to accommodate the overwhelming prison population . The plan would cost the government a tune of 8 .3 billion (Steinhauer J , 2007 . The plan was backed by the state 's governor , a republican and it would prevent the state from facing receivership . The California prison registered a 70 recidivism rate an issue raising concerns especially among the democrats . For the republicans the main objective is to ensure that inmates are reformed even if it means the construction of more prisons arising due to the high recidivism rates (Steinhauer J , 2007

Overcrowding in prisons has negative effects on the inmates , the prison staff as well as the society at large . Inmates are likely to suffer physically , mentally as well as psychologically due to the harsh conditions in the overcrowded prisons . It is difficult to identify or screen inmates with special needs for instance those with mental conditions and hence difficult to assist them accordingly . As Kupers and Toch in `Prison madness ' established the condition of prisoners with special needs deteriorates when faced with the prison overcrowding a factor precipitating inefficiencies in the correctional facilities (Kupers T and Toch H ,1999 . Another implication of prison overcrowding is the inappropriate redress of the inmates ' educational needs . This triggers increased illiteracy levels . Educational programs are vital in any correctional facility as they prepare the inmates for easy but effective re entry into the society on release from prisons . It would ensure that they stand a better ground while seeking employment on completion of their term in prison

The prison staff members also experience the negative effects of prison overcrowding . Those with a vocation or calling to see the inmates reform will be disappointed when this is not realized...