Inmate Early Release - Essay Sample

Introduction

Prisons and other correction centres are aimed at correcting and rehabilitating criminals. In recent years, there has been much efforts to improve the efficiency of the rehabilitation programs and correctional technology so as to get the best and required changes. Through the study of various principles that are involved in rehabilitation and effective correctional intervention, more knowledge has been gained on what works for certain types of offenders. There are a variety of alternatives that are available to incarceration hence leading to the early release of offenders. There are numerous reasons for the early release of offenders such as; availability of better community-based rehabilitation programmes, overcrowding, reduction of the burden to the taxpayer, and integrating offenders successfully into the community (Alarid, 2016). This paper will focus on the various programs that are available upon early release, reasons for early release, advantages, and disadvantages of early release of offenders. Finally. A conclusion is provided to summarize the important information that has been gathered during the research geared towards writing the article.

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Reasons for Early Release (Advantages of Early Release)

Early release of offenders has led to community-based correctional programs so as to reduce the overcrowding of prisons, rehabilitate offenders, and reduce the burden imposed on the taxpayers through low-cost mechanisms of dealing with public security and behaviour modification through the concept of personal responsibility. The effectiveness of the community-based correction programs is due to the use of various approaches through the involvement of both judicial and legislative personnel in the steps that are involved in the whole process (Alarid, 2016). These alternatives also play an important role in reducing the long term institutionalization and stigmatization of prisoners. The early release and community rehabilitation helps in ensuring that the offenders do not repeat their mistakes hence reduces the chances of them committing graver crimes. The program is also able to help the offenders deal with the root cause of their criminal tendencies as they strive to fulfil their potential in society.

Early release creates room for diversion programs which helps in bringing the victims and offenders together hence ensuring that they quickly resolve their conflict which leads to an understanding of each other. The offenders gain an understanding of the responsibility of the consequences of their actions while the victims get better closure. Community programs are tailored to meet the specific needs and requirements of the offenders hence they are able to access greatly specialized assistance that eventually helps them in becoming law-abiding citizens while improving the quality of life. These programs enable the offenders to remain near their families who they support and who can also positively influence them to change their criminal ways (Bodenhorn, 2016).

Disadvantages of Early Release

Although early release from prisons has many desired outcomes, there are a few serious unwanted consequences. The sudden release of inmates results in missing of crucial information in the criminal history of the inmate. This move leads to overlooking of the possibility of other offences such as weapon charges and past domestic violence. Public safety is reduced. Therefore, this requires prior planning, and sufficient game plan to ensure community safety. The sudden release also causes psychological effects on inmates as they are not fully ready to be released into society after a long period of incarceration. The stress needs slow release program that involves continuous guidance and counselling. Early release can lead to more violence and revenge mission as the victim may not believe that justice has been served when the offender gets out without completing the sentence (Alarid, 2016).

Community-Based Programs (Mechanisms of Early Release)

Parole

Parole refers to the early release of offenders from prison before serving the entire sentence. These individuals remain under supervision so as to balance their sentence. The offenders are expected to comply with the set of behaviours that are known as the conditions of parole. A group of prison officials referred to as the parole board grants paroles to the deserving individuals (Alarid, 2016).The merits considered include the magnitude of the offence committed, following of rules and regulations by the prisoner, has the prisoner reformed and has the victims expressed concerns regarding parole.

Probation

Probation is normally offered by the court such that the offender does not serve time in prison. The individual can have community sentencing and is expected to follow conditions that have been set by the court (Kaeble, Maruschak & Bonczar, 2015). If the offender breaks any of the set rules, he or she is incarcerated by the probation officer.

Other Programs Utilized in Early Release

After an early release of an offender from the prison, there are various approaches and programs that are used to monitor and control him or her until the equivalent of the time that needed to be served is achieved. These programs include electronic monitoring, house arrests, supervision techniques, and residential facilities.

Conclusion

Early release from prison is aimed at reducing the population of prisons, saving taxpayers money, offering tailored rehabilitation programmes to the offender, and ensuring institution of the inmate back to the society hence encouraging peaceful transitioning. There are various programs in which the inmates are able to use to get early release such as parole, probation among others. There are advantages and disadvantages that are attributed to early release offenders hence extensive research and consultation should be made before such a move is taken.

References

Alarid, L. F. (2016). Community-Based Corrections. Cengage Learning.

Bodenhorn, H. (2016). Prison Crowding, Recidivism, and Early Release in Early Rhode Island. Explorations in Economic History, 59, 55-74.

Kaeble, D., Maruschak, L. M., & Bonczar, T. P. (2015). Probation and Parole in the United States, 2014. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), US Department of Justice, and Office of Justice Programs.