Disir
Platinum Member
- Sep 30, 2011
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On Jan. 17, Alabama received a threatening letter from the U.S. Department of Justice, naming more than 20 staff members who had had sex with inmates at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. Citing "catastrophically low staffing and supervision levels," the DOJ threatened a lawsuit that could lead to the courts giving the federal government control over Tutwiler.
Through a series of interactive workshops, people shared their concerns about crowded prisons, listed possible actions and identified costs and consequences. What emerged from this exercise are these three possible approaches:
Approach 1: Increase Capacity and Improve Basic Conditions
If we want to avoid lawsuits, federal intervention and a potential release of prisoners, then we must increase capacity and improve conditions in the prisons. Our time line is limited and addressing difficult sentencing issues and root causes may take too long. If we want to solve this problem and stay tough on crime, then we must consider building new prisons, expanding existing facilities, and/or contracting with for-profit prisons.
[click to view Approach 1's actions and consequences]
Approach 2: Address Root Causes through Education, Support and Rehabilitation
If we want to truly address the overcrowding issue, we cannot simply build more prisons. If we want to keep people out of prisons and avoid high recidivism rates, then we cannot ignore the real issues that drive individuals to break the law. By providing education, support and rehabilitation, we may also see benefits to communities, families and the economy.
[click to view Approach 2's actions and consequences]
Approach 3: Implement Alternative Approaches to Incarceration
If we want to continue to punish criminal behavior and avoid the costly practice of mass incarceration, then we must consider alternatives to prison. Specifically, we must implement community corrections programs in every county, expand problem-solving courts and provide opportunities for restorative justice.
[click to view Approach 3's actions and consequences]
Shape Alabama prison reform by considering and choosing the possible approach you favor AL.com
I didn't vote as I don't live in Alabama. Given those three which would you choose and why?
Through a series of interactive workshops, people shared their concerns about crowded prisons, listed possible actions and identified costs and consequences. What emerged from this exercise are these three possible approaches:
Approach 1: Increase Capacity and Improve Basic Conditions
If we want to avoid lawsuits, federal intervention and a potential release of prisoners, then we must increase capacity and improve conditions in the prisons. Our time line is limited and addressing difficult sentencing issues and root causes may take too long. If we want to solve this problem and stay tough on crime, then we must consider building new prisons, expanding existing facilities, and/or contracting with for-profit prisons.
[click to view Approach 1's actions and consequences]
Approach 2: Address Root Causes through Education, Support and Rehabilitation
If we want to truly address the overcrowding issue, we cannot simply build more prisons. If we want to keep people out of prisons and avoid high recidivism rates, then we cannot ignore the real issues that drive individuals to break the law. By providing education, support and rehabilitation, we may also see benefits to communities, families and the economy.
[click to view Approach 2's actions and consequences]
Approach 3: Implement Alternative Approaches to Incarceration
If we want to continue to punish criminal behavior and avoid the costly practice of mass incarceration, then we must consider alternatives to prison. Specifically, we must implement community corrections programs in every county, expand problem-solving courts and provide opportunities for restorative justice.
[click to view Approach 3's actions and consequences]
Shape Alabama prison reform by considering and choosing the possible approach you favor AL.com
I didn't vote as I don't live in Alabama. Given those three which would you choose and why?
