Abstract
Prison populations have been swelling in the past 3 decades, with a 300% increase since 1980. Between 1980 and 1995 there was a 100% percent increase in federal sentences to incarceration. This has led to a problem regarding prison overcrowding. A significant factor contributing to this explosion in prisoners between 1980-1990 was get-tough legislation strategies mandating minimum sentences. These punishments were aimed at making the penalty for crime too high for any potential offender to risk, and therefore to dissuade him or her from committing a crime. That deterrent proved ineffective and only gave rise to other negative effects of prison overcrowding. These include inmate-policy decisions that render the employees unable to implement and maintain recidivism programs for the inmates. Overcrowded prisons also prevent adequate medical attention and education resources for inmates who desperately need them. Cells intended to house two prisoners became packed with up to four inmates, or they were housed in gymnasiums, hallways, or cafeteria spaces. This overcrowding exacerbates inmate misbehavior, increases assault-rates, and contributes to violence, mental illness, and dehumanization. This paper concludes with suggestions designed to relieve prison overcrowding: early release, parole, diversion programs, and inmate transfers to other facilities. In addition, there is a new proposition of implementing technological incarceration. This will add technological and remote surveillance capabilities for dealing with criminals. It has the same purpose as physical incarceration but it will be cheaper than housing criminals. It will ultimately reduce the deprivations of human rights during incarceration. In addition, it will increase the lives of these incarcerated, where they have more meaningful lives.
Language: English
Published on: Mar 27, 2024
Published by: University of North Georgia
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
© 2024 Jessica Doan, published by University of North Georgia
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.