Beyond Incarceration

Essentially, 9 out of 10 offenders will be released from custody sooner or later! More than 600,000 are already being released annually. After more than 50 years in the business I believe the only thing more disquieting than our demonstrated ability to facilitate positive change in prisoners would be to quit trying altogether. Unfortunately, too many people appear to believe that providing inmates with a place to sleep and three meals a day should suffice. While the prevention of escapes and the maintenance of order have proven to be absolutely essential, they are only prerequisites in the overall correctional processes. The simple fact of the matter is that the fundamental mission of every jail/penal facility in the United States is the protection and safety of the public, institution staff, and inmates alike. Without the protection and safety of inmates, however, nothing else can be assured. This point needs to be made time and time again and goes directly to the heart of the matter insofar as overcrowding, staffing, and mindset are concerned! Corrections primary role, in regard to rehabilitation, should lie with the quality and quantity of programs and services that are offered - not necessarily in the number which are subsequently taken or used by each individual. Prison crowding is not only counterproductive to proper security and control, it is non-conducive to the provision of programs and services which are needed to prepare inmates for their ultimate release from incarceration as well.