Webster defines the word prison as a state of confinement or captivity. America houses 22 percent of the prisoners worldwide; yet, we only hold about five percent of the world’s population. These statistics are not only alarming to read, but quite frightening too. Taking into consideration, inmates costs the country almost $600 billion a year (Johnson). Several questions come to mind such as, why are these numbers so high? Why are our leaders taking minimal steps to fix these statistics? These questions stated above makes one draw conclusions as to why incarceration is supported in America. I believe mass incarceration is a major problem in America which needs to change; I also feel that the individuals holding the power to make these
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Recidivism in America - about 68 percent of 405,000 prisoners released in 30 states in 2005 were arrested for a new crime within three years of their release from prison, and 77 percent were arrested within five years (Slifer). With that being said, when an individual is released into society, two things happen. (1) The individual is released into a shelter, then expected to find employment and move out on his/her own. (2) The individual is dropped off at a common location, left to fend for themselves. These two scenarios mentioned above are common practices of what happens in New York City when released from prison. How can the state or city claim this is reform when the formerly incarcerated individual is left high and dry? Reform is defined as making a change in something; therefore, recidivism should not plague the conversation of prison. Somewhere along the lines, profits are growing and recidivism is accepted as …show more content…
Depending on the severity of the crime, the judge is force to issue mandatory minimums. Due to these mandatory minimums, companies like Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) are able to gain major clientele. Leading private prison companies essentially admit that their business model depends on high rates of incarceration... CCA, the largest private prison company, stated: "The demand for our facilities and services could be adversely affected by . . . leniency in conviction or parole standards and sentencing practices (ACLU 2). Now if you do not see an issue with this statement, I’m not sure if I can change your mind regarding the need to shift away from mass incarceration. Now, mandatory minimums were put in place to ensure offenders were all put into prison, and for a long period of time. This has worked, but there is only one side benefiting from this, and it’s not the tax
Recidivism in America - about 68 percent of 405,000 prisoners released in 30 states in 2005 were arrested for a new crime within three years of their release from prison, and 77 percent were arrested within five years (Slifer). With that being said, when an individual is released into society, two things happen. (1) The individual is released into a shelter, then expected to find employment and move out on his/her own. (2) The individual is dropped off at a common location, left to fend for themselves. These two scenarios mentioned above are common practices of what happens in New York City when released from prison. How can the state or city claim this is reform when the formerly incarcerated individual is left high and dry? Reform is defined as making a change in something; therefore, recidivism should not plague the conversation of prison. Somewhere along the lines, profits are growing and recidivism is accepted as …show more content…
Depending on the severity of the crime, the judge is force to issue mandatory minimums. Due to these mandatory minimums, companies like Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) are able to gain major clientele. Leading private prison companies essentially admit that their business model depends on high rates of incarceration... CCA, the largest private prison company, stated: "The demand for our facilities and services could be adversely affected by . . . leniency in conviction or parole standards and sentencing practices (ACLU 2). Now if you do not see an issue with this statement, I’m not sure if I can change your mind regarding the need to shift away from mass incarceration. Now, mandatory minimums were put in place to ensure offenders were all put into prison, and for a long period of time. This has worked, but there is only one side benefiting from this, and it’s not the tax