The Impact of Being Surrounded by Criminals on Prisoner Rehabilitation

In my experience and writings regarding criminal justice, I've often pondered the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for prisoners. Studies from my time in criminal justice school suggest that more expensive and intensive rehabilitation programs do not significantly alter the recidivism rates of offenders. This echoes my decades of experience. Yet, the reality is far more complex than simple numbers can convey.

Wolves and Sheep: A Division in the Prison System

Prison serves a dual purpose. For some inmates, it acts as a temporary separation from society, a way to halt the constant cycle of criminal behavior. There are career criminals who have embraced the criminal lifestyle so deeply that they have no interest in rehabilitation. They see prison not as a penalization but as a means to continue their criminal activities undisturbed. These individuals include business-like criminals who see incarceration as a necessary part of their lifestyle.

However, there are also individuals who have genuinely turned their backs on criminal life and are determined to reform themselves. I have personally met many such prisoners who have successfully reintegrated into society, pursuing lives free from criminal activity.

Cultivation of Criminal Behaviors

The prison environment often exacerbates criminal behaviors, much like a gardener who cultivates tomato seeds into thriving tomato plants. Inmates who are repeatedly exposed to criminal activities end up learning and adopting these behaviors. They become adept and even discovering new methods to refine their criminal techniques. This is not just learning; it's evolution within a specific criminal ecosystem.

In a sense, the prison serves as an environment where criminal behaviors are cultivated, much like a garden where only the most resilient plants survive. Prisons allow for the flourishing of these behaviors, not in isolation, but in a community of shared criminal experience. This is not a neutral environment but one that encourages the best (from a criminal perspective) practices to thrive.

No True Rehabilitation

The reality is that true rehabilitation, as we typically understand it, seems lacking. Programs are often short-term and primarily designed to provide employment for the staff. Genuine rehabilitative efforts require more than just a short program. It necessitates long-term investment and support from social workers and educators who can effectively address the underlying issues.

The prison system is severely understaffed, lacking the necessary personnel to provide the kind of support and education required for true reform. Functional education should be the cornerstone of any rehabilitation plan, as it tackles the root causes of criminal behavior. Providing access to education and training can help inmates develop skills that will assist them in leading productive lives post-release.

Recommendations for Improvement

To truly address the issue, we need to make significant changes. Firstly, prison sentences should be shorter to allow for more focused rehabilitation work. Good time credits should be increased to incentivize good behavior and reduce the overall time served.

Additionally, smaller housing groups that are effectively isolated from larger groups can create stronger, more focused communities. This separation can help in building trust and facilitating genuine personal growth.

In conclusion, while the prison environment may separate some individuals from the general population, it does little to reform hardened criminals. True change comes from within, guided by education, support, and the desire for a better life. The only way to truly rehabilitate someone is to provide them with the tools and opportunities to lead a productive, law-abiding life.