Punitive or rehabilitative?
By NICOLE IZZO
With taxes high and prisons overpopulated, states are speculating on the best course of action to minimize the return of criminals and reduce crime rates.
The public is divided on whether the prison systems should be more rehabilitative or more punitive. Studies have proven both courses of action to be effective in different ways, but there is constant debate on what is considered most ethical.
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Personally, I believe that prison needs to be more rehabilitative. People lead by example and by having the proper resources at their disposal, prisoners can properly learn how to correct their behavior. These programs serve multiple purposes; they will provide more jobs, lessen the inmate population, and hopefully create more respect between the public and the justice systems.
Programs that should be restored or implemented include education, substance abuse treatment, mental health programs, and substantial health care.
In addition to that, many prisoners return to the criminal justice system because they feel unprepared or feel as if there is no other place to go in the outside world. With the help of professionals, the criminal justice system can redirect those incarcerated to a more successful future when they finish their sentence.
I am opposed to more punitive punishments because poor treatment does not promote respect and likely will lead to retaliation. The more punishment one suffers, the more violent he/she is going to become. We should try to prevent the general population prisoners from getting caught in a cycle of crime.
Ultimately, without programs, citizens will end up paying for uncorrected behavior through taxes, and crime will return to the city.
Regardless, there are certainly some crimes that require punishment, and there must be consequences for those in segregated units. Yet, on the other hand, we must not forget the ultimate goal of prison is to allow those convicted to reflect on their actions and correct them.
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Over time, implementing programs will make our towns safer and incarceration less expensive. Obviously, prison is not meant to be fun, but there's certainly room for improvement. The most effective and ethical way to treat prisoners, who are capable of recovery, is to connect with them and to be a demonstration of the behavior you wish for them to mirror.