Punishing offenders is one of the oldest procedures that have been used by people over time in their attempt to control crime. In the American prison reform systems, several development waves have taken place. Individuals researching on the rates of incarceration in our contemporary society deem that the legal period that occurred between 1960s and 1970s was central to the correctional systems of the United States that have affected the functions of correctional facilities in this re-evaluation era. This discussion focuses on the developments of the reevaluation epoch with regard to penitentiary development. The reason this era caught my attention is the fact that it helps one differentiate between the rhetoric and the reality in our modern correctional facilities in the United States.
All through the periods of penitentiary development, various policies were developed and implemented. Some of these policies were tough while others were viewed as relatively lenient for a person who commits criminal offenses. The status of the correctional facilities today has not changed much as compared to decades ago. More people continue to be held up in custody, a factor that shows that the rates of criminal activities and recidivism are still on the rise. One of the major issues facing our correctional facilities in this re-evaluation period is prison overcrowding. As more people continue being convicted and sentenced to long jail terms, correctional facilities’ spaces are reducing in sizes. We are losing the very reason that the correctional facilities were established (Phelps, 33). The human and financial retribution expenditure has increased alarmingly to an extent that states view incarceration as expensive. Incarceration of law breakers is also lowering our economy, which is a factor that threatens the stability of our society.
Media Emphasis on Crime Control
In this technological advancement era that we are living in, the media has constantly been expanding the manner in which it reaches its consumers. The television and the internet are some of the media platforms that have enhanced the way people acquire information. The criminal justice system is one of the areas that have been impacted by the way people consume the media production. In fact, the media has become a very important source of information to the members of the general public, police as well as other concerned stakeholders (Surette 225).
On the one hand, the media offers an interactive platform where individuals can share information that is key to crime prevention. On the other hand, it can over-politicize and hyper-publicize the methods and procedures of crime prevention, which could lead to inappropriate decision-making processes as far as crime prevention policies are concerned, and could lead to inaccurate public perceptions. One example of the recent trends of crime control is that media has helped in exposing criminal activities. Indeed, the media has stressed on a democratic role during the processes of crime prevention through educating and sensitizing the members of public.
Conclusion
Although the emphasis on the media about sensitizing the society about crime related events could yield positive results, I am of an opinion that it could instill fear and the feelings of insecurity to the members of the public, especially the youths, elderly, and the ethnocultural societies. Rather than reporting or publicizing second-hand reports, governments and the criminal justice systems should formulate strategies aimed at enhancing communication with the mass media.
Works Cited
Phelps, Michelle. Rehabilitation in the Punitive Era: The Gap between Rhetoric and Reality in the US Prison Programs. Law Soc Rev. 2011, 45(1):33-68.
Surette, Ray. Media, Crime, and Criminal Justice. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning, 2014. Internet resource.
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