Introduction
Prison overcrowding is a major issue in the United States. It is an issue that is rapidly increasing daily. The goals of the criminal justice system are to prosecute, punish, and rehabilitate. Due to overcrowding it has become clear that the goals of this system are to punish, prosecute, incarcerate, and release. If the offender does not have the means to succeed and the tools necessary when reintegrated into society recidivism chances increase greatly causing a negative impact on the increasing amount of offenders in the prison system. There are several alternatives to incarceration. Probation, drug rehabilitation, work release programs, electronic monitoring, and house arrest. There are advantages and disadvantages to each alternative however, with the United States being the country with the largest prison population exploring these alternatives is something that should no longer be overlooked.
Probation …show more content…
This is when an offender does not have to serve any time in jail however, they are required to refrain from any illegal activities, submit to random drug testing, as well as live in a supervised facility with enforced curfew. Offenders are given a probation officer. This individual will aid them in their transition from prison and ensure that they are following the rules. This is also the same individual who, in the event the offender breaks the rules, will send them to prison. The advantage to this alternative is that the offender is still able to work or engage in activities beneficial to reintegration. The disadvantage is that often the offender does not have a strong support system to help them get through the probationary
Prison overcrowding is a major issue in the United States. It is an issue that is rapidly increasing daily. The goals of the criminal justice system are to prosecute, punish, and rehabilitate. Due to overcrowding it has become clear that the goals of this system are to punish, prosecute, incarcerate, and release. If the offender does not have the means to succeed and the tools necessary when reintegrated into society recidivism chances increase greatly causing a negative impact on the increasing amount of offenders in the prison system. There are several alternatives to incarceration. Probation, drug rehabilitation, work release programs, electronic monitoring, and house arrest. There are advantages and disadvantages to each alternative however, with the United States being the country with the largest prison population exploring these alternatives is something that should no longer be overlooked.
Probation …show more content…
This is when an offender does not have to serve any time in jail however, they are required to refrain from any illegal activities, submit to random drug testing, as well as live in a supervised facility with enforced curfew. Offenders are given a probation officer. This individual will aid them in their transition from prison and ensure that they are following the rules. This is also the same individual who, in the event the offender breaks the rules, will send them to prison. The advantage to this alternative is that the offender is still able to work or engage in activities beneficial to reintegration. The disadvantage is that often the offender does not have a strong support system to help them get through the probationary