During the medieval period, imprisonment was present but other forms of punishment were more common. Nowadays, prisons and jails play a vital role in the criminal justice system and offer a more compassionate approach to punishing offenders (Matchstick, 2009). There are three classifications for prisons: maximum-security, medium-security, and minimum-security. The level of security determines the classification of each prison. Maximum-security prisons have the most extensive security measures.
Maximum-security prisons are well-known for their strong physical barriers, including thick walls and high fences. They also employ motion sensors and electronic perimeters to enhance security measures. Additionally, these prisons have a central living area that provides extra protection against escape attempts.
Medium-security prisons share a similar design and technological setup with maximum-security facilities. However, they offer inmates additional privileges such as designated exercise time, access to the yard, and use of the library.
In contrast, minimum-security prisons allow inmates to move freely within the premises without armed guards.
According to Schmeltzer (2011), minimum-security prisoners frequently engage in work or study programs during their time in prison. In contrast, private prisons are state-run institutions that are operated by private companies. These companies take charge of the prison’s daily operations, offering either support or a complete staff.
Jails and prisons have distinct goals from one another. Prisons function as long-term detention facilities for individuals serving their sentences or awaiting execution on death row. The necessary level of security is determined by the nature of the committed offense.
Jails, which are “short-term confinement facilities originally built to hold suspects following arrest or pending trial” (Schmeltzer, 2011), differ from prisons. Despite being labeled as the “shame of the criminal justice system” (Smaller, 2011), jails play multiple roles in the US justice system. These facilities are often underfunded and staffed by low-trained employees. Jails primarily house individuals awaiting trial or arraignment, as well as parole and probation violators. Moreover, jails also function as detention centers for military courts.
Inmates are also held in jails when overcrowding occurs. Jails also hold people with short-term sentences, usually less than 1 year (Schmeltzer, 2011). When inmates enter into prisons and jails for the first time, they must face the harsh reality of change. One aspect of this change is the culture of the institution, which includes the establishment’s strict rules and procedures enforced by corrections officers and staff. Adjusting to this culture may be difficult, but there is another element that may be even harder to adapt to.
According to Schmeltzer (2011), the prison subculture, also known as the jail subculture, involves the colonization of new inmates and is described as a process of personalization. The subcultures within prisons are constantly evolving and generally reflect the values held by the prisoners themselves. Each prisoner assumes various roles, such as the religious or opportunistic role. Additionally, the prison subculture influences and impacts sexual behavior within prisons, acting as both a constraint and an encouragement (Schmeltzer, 2011).
Monitoring prison rape in correctional facilities is a crucial responsibility. Understanding the intricacies of prison subcultures and prioritizing the well-being of incarcerated women is essential. According to Schmeltzer (2011), there are presently 115,770 women in state and federal correctional institutions. These female offenders are distinct from male inmates and typically convicted for less serious crimes. Moreover, they often face educational and skills deficiencies, making them more vulnerable to domestic violence and sexual abuse.
According to Schmeltzer (2011), women who engage in criminal behavior often have issues with substance abuse. In the 1970s, alternative community-based corrections programs were implemented as an alternative to traditional imprisonment. These programs aimed to reintegrate prisoners back into society, as it was believed that rehabilitation could not take place in isolation. Presently, work release and study programs are examples of community-based corrections initiatives that continue to be employed.
Community-based programs, such as home detention and electronic monitoring, are employed in jails to rehabilitate criminals and reintegrate them into society as productive individuals. In contrast, probation is a court-ordered penalty that enables offenders to fulfill their sentence under community supervision rather than being incarcerated. As Schmeltzer (2011) states, the objective of probation is to both maintain control over criminals and aid in their rehabilitation. Typically, probation is imposed following a period of imprisonment.
Probation is the imposition of specific conditions on certain individuals, like remaining drug-free. Conversely, parole is the early release of a prisoner from jail with supervision to help them reintegrate into society. Parole Boards consider factors such as age, criminal history, and potential for rehabilitation when making parole decisions (Matchstick, 2009).
Although attempts to manage it persist, the issue of violent behavior remains prevalent in jails and prisons. One contributing factor is the presence of subcultures and gangs within the prison system. Another major concern is sexual violence and rape. Moreover, prisons should implement preventive measures against riots due to historically inadequate conditions and inmate grievances (Schmeltzer, 2011).
Conclusion
Overall, the incarceration systems in the United States have a profound influence on the criminal justice system. Jails are vital for community-based correctional programs and manage short-term sentences, while prisons accommodate long-term prisoners and those awaiting capital punishment. Moreover, probation and parole play a critical role in rehabilitating individuals.
