Challenges Of Overcrowding In Prisons

Overcrowding in prisons, is an issue that is not well known among the general population; however, it is an issue that greatly effects society as a whole. The cost of housing inmates is estimated to be around fifty thousand dollars annually. The more inmates that there are in prison, means more tax payer dollars being dumped into the facilities and inmates. People often complain of poor use of tax payer’s dollars. Claiming that it is wrong that they have to pay for inmate to be fed, housed, and medically cared for. What is important is to understand that inmates are at a disadvantage, they are put into a system where failure is expected and success is rare. Overcrowding in prisons carries many issues, lack of sufficient resources and …show more content…
These forms of care in conjunction with educational programs on life skills are essential to helping offenders desist from crime. Due to the overcrowding it is not possible to offer all resources to individuals, or it is not possible to effectively offer the resources. Often times healthcare is rushed and the proper time and care is not given to inmates due to the high workload of the providers in the institutions. Research suggests that a vast majority, 65% of inmates have some form of mental illness and 70% have previous or current substance abuse issues and only 1 of 3 inmates in need are receiving care in prisons and that statistic falls to 1 in 6 in jails (Hoke, 2015). Due to the large number of inmates who require care only a fraction of them are actually able to get …show more content…
Upon release, the individual is unable to re-assimilate in to normal society. Studies suggest that individuals who serve time in overcrowded institutions are much more likely to recidivate. One study found that offenders who served in highly overcrowded prisons were 2.28 to 2.77 times more likely to violate the terms of parole than those in a non-crowded prison (Ruderman, Wilson, Reid, 2015). They struggle to find legal work, they have trouble forming healthy relationships and ultimately fall back into their old ways. The criminal justice system is coined a “revolving door”: the same people come in and out. Studies in the Los Angeles area show that up to 26% of youth commit a subsequent crime within the first year after being released (Ryan, Abrams, Huang, 2014). This can be credited to overcrowding which leads to lack of resources and a poor living environment. If the necessary resources are not made available to an individual, they will not be able to properly rehabilitate. Those who are unable to overcome drug addiction habits while incarcerated are significantly more likely to be given a prison sentence for any drug related crimes compared to a first time offender (Lurigio and Loose, 2008). Even upon release, the odds are against them. According to Petersilia, the recidivism rate in Los