Functions and Issues for Alternative Sentencing and Community Corrections

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapters 9 and 10 in your Stojkovic and Lovell (2019) textbook and the article . You may also wish to consider some of the recommended resources for this week. Your initial post should consist of at least 250 words and address the following elements: Explain how mandatory release and supervised release relate to social justice and criminal justice objectives. Discuss institutional goals that may be met by releasing incarcerated persons early to serve their remaining sentences within society. It has been argued that privatizing correctionspaying private companies to efficiently run prisons and jailswould save the government money. Discuss pros and cons for privatizing corrections. In addition, relate the pros and cons of privatization to at least one issue for the future of corrections. Support your claims with examples from any required material or other scholarly resources and properly cite any references

 

A short solutions

 

Mandatory release and supervised release are both mechanisms used in the criminal justice system to reintegrate incarcerated individuals back into society. Mandatory release refers to the release of an individual from prison once they have served their full sentence, whereas supervised release refers to the release of an individual before they have served their full sentence, but with conditions attached, such as reporting to a parole officer or undergoing drug testing. These mechanisms relate to social justice because they allow individuals to rejoin society and potentially become productive citizens again. From a criminal justice perspective, these mechanisms can reduce recidivism rates and alleviate overcrowding in prisons.

Institutional goals that can be met by releasing incarcerated individuals early include reducing overcrowding and costs associated with incarceration, as well as increasing public safety by ensuring that individuals who are released are supervised and supported in their reentry into society. Additionally, early release can provide individuals with access to resources that can help them reintegrate into society, such as job training and counseling services.

Privatizing corrections refers to the practice of paying private companies to run prisons and jails. Proponents argue that this can save the government money by reducing the cost of running correctional facilities. However, critics argue that privatization can lead to a lack of accountability, poor working conditions for staff, and a focus on profit rather than rehabilitation. Additionally, privatization can exacerbate existing racial and socioeconomic disparities in the criminal justice system.

One issue for the future of corrections that is related to privatization is the potential for the exploitation of incarcerated individuals for profit. Private companies may have an incentive to keep individuals incarcerated for longer periods of time or to cut corners on necessary services in order to maximize profits. This can undermine the goal of rehabilitation and create a system that prioritizes financial gain over the well-being of individuals.

In conclusion, mandatory release and supervised release can help achieve social justice and criminal justice objectives by providing individuals with a path to reentry into society. Institutional goals, such as reducing overcrowding and increasing public safety, can also be achieved by releasing individuals early. Privatizing corrections can have both pros and cons, but it is important to consider the potential for exploitation and the impact on the future of corrections.