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[finktron]

Does anyone that reads this honestly believe the so called Correctional Facilities we support here in the West actually, well, correct? Or should they just call them jails, as they are; jail is not a deterrent nor is it correctional. It is short term slap on the wrist punishment, and a good ol' pat on the back for those in control who, in fact, add

Comments

[ramgor]

I don't disagree with you, however i'd like to know what the other option is. you can want to call people out on their shit for the rest of forever, but if you don't have an alternate plan, what's the point?

[finktron]

Well obviously there would be some steps to take, measures like ending the arrest of marijuana users, who now fill up so much space in the jails it is unreal. Also, actually have different programs for different people that are actually CORRECTIONAL, that aim to deflect whatever it was that put them there in the first place. To do this, create new programs with people who know what they are doing leading them.

Short of that, at least make is so that jails aren't overcrowded. So that there is a closer to 1:2 or something inmate to staff ratio. End barracks style housing, etc.

A good book on the subject of the problems with jail is Life Without Parole.

[xxjessikillxx]

Can we please discuss this sometime? It is my major, you know. The only reason we call them correctional facilities is because we changed our policies to be more focused on rehab, reformation, and so on. This began to decline in the late 90's, but is still much better than "the old days." We used to follow the Penal Code, hence the old name of penal facilities, which had strict basis around solely punishment. Think about the Quaker prisons. Compare modern jails or prisons to the Pennsylvania and Auburn systems. We've come quite a way, but there is still more work to be done. Non-violent drug offenders do need the focus to be shifted off of them, as it is the main reason for overcrowding. There is also typically sentencing disparity that can create, depending on the drug amount and convict's prior offenses, a mandatory sentence that is longer than a murder charge also using mandatory sentencing guidelines

[finktron]

It would cool to see what would happen if California implemented that policy, but it still seems to me that until there is move towards legalization or decriminalization, the move you are describing would still be like bandaging a rather deep wound. One that requires, clearly, sutures or something more advanced to stop the hemorrhaging.

Yes, I do think we have come a long way from Quaker prisons and the like, but I do agree with you, certainly, that we have a long way to go.

If only we were actually a fiscally responsible country, we could afford to pay the prison staff what they truly deserve, given that they indeed do work a dangerous job. Not to set up a straw man or to distract from the subject at hand, of course, but it just seems like these people DESERVE better pay, and a higher salary would drive more people into that particular workforce. I would love for you to educate, because I know you know way more than I do about the subject and it really does interest me.