Prison Programs For The First Time Offender example essay topic

Rehabilitation of Criminals: A Waste of Time or Worth The Effort? By: Heather Rose Since 1960, the number of violent crimes committed per capita in the United States has increased by more than 450%. More than 24,000 murders took place in America in 1991... With each passing year, rapes, robberies, murder, and other forms of extreme violence has become a way of life for some individuals who fall short of society's norms; however, it is only a small portion of criminals who commit the majority of the crimes. It is no longer rare to be a victim of a violent crime or to know someone who has been affected.

Get tough laws passed by many states have caused a increase in prison spending. Prison populations in the 1980's have more than doubled resulting in more prisons being built every year. Even with all the harsh sentencing guidelines, judges are not sentencing criminals to do necessary time. Prisons have become a revolving door society. Only 25% of those convicted are sent to prison. Judges usually have to let out a inmate before another one can take his place.

There are limited cells in prisons, so the majority of crimes are punished by probation or court sanctions. Even when longer sentences are given, they are rarely served. The average murderer spends about six years in prison. What factors decide the outcome of such individuals? Some experts feel there is no absolute answer, only speculation. There is however, a strong relationship between environment and the outcome of offenders.

Low income, poor education, drugs, and family breakdown are some factors that keep repeating in cases of habitual offenders; however, the public sees the problem lies with the availability of guns and lack of morals. Only one factor stands out in both public and professional opinion, drugs. To deal with crime, we must first go to the root of the problem. The American society is a breeding ground for violent crime. Preventative measures must be implemented to stop such behavior before it starts. Teaching family values in after school programs is a step in the right direction.

Programs that teach respect, anger management, and accountability for one's own actions is a must in today's society. Prison programs for the first time offender to help them become productive members of society can be a step in the right direction. Teaching inmates how to manage anger, drug counseling, people skills, as well as teaching blue collar trade to inmates will ease the transition from prison to the outside world. When the inmate is released, a half way house should be the residence of the former inmate until adjustments are made. This way a person coming into society will not be overwhelmed by his new found freedom. Giving them back their freedoms back a little at a time.

Community policing should be promoted in every urban area. Community policing helps unite citizens together, establish relations between police and it's citizens, and helps establish pride in neighborhoods. Bonds between neighbors are strengthened and unity is achieved. Family restructuring services should be implemented by the state and run by community leaders. Services for families in need could include, mental health counseling, living and coping skills, anger management classes, and domestic violence help. Services should not be limited to those individuals who fall into certain brackets (financial), but to anyone in the community who desires help to lead a productive life.

After school programs to keep juveniles of the streets should reduce crimes in communities. Children with nothing to do will find ways to entertain themselves, usually this leads to criminal mischief. After school programs already in use at public schools have had a sharp decrease in criminal related mischief. Programs such as sports and homework help has helped in reducing dropout rates.