Introduction to corrections
Introduction to Corrections-Syllabus Summary
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Introduction to corrections is a course that concerns operations during sentencing and pretrial as sentencing plays a critical role within the criminal justice system. The studies provide overviews of the present and correctional systems, including resentencing investigation, preventative detention, plea bargaining, and bail. The chapter on the history of corrections and correctional policy and operations explores how corrections were executed during the early 16th and 17th centuries. Notably, early prisons used to be used like jails for holding criminals for a while as they await their punishments. Early prisons were more of correctional facilities used to confine criminals who had already been convicted and served long-term sentences.
The section on sentencing and the correctional process talks about the sentencing options used as criminal sanctions. Further, it describes intermediate sanctions as criminal penalties that do not include probation or jail time. Moreover, it describes intermediate sanctions as sanctions intended to equip judges with flexibility in passing sentences. On the other hand, probation sentences are imposed for specific hours, for instance, community service for missing probation appointments or positive drug tests. To manage prisons, prison management systems are employed to confine and restrict offenders’ movement and rehabilitate and reform them to make them useful citizens after serving their sentence.
Parole and prisoner re-entry is a chapter that provides an overview of the legal restrictions and civil disabilities that govern the life of an ex-convict outside prison. In most cases, re-entry programs are employed and worth noting, re-entry programs focus on employment in reducing recidivism. Prisoners find reintegration into society difficult as they mainly rely on subsidized jobs and job training, making it hard for them to succeed. Prison life for inmates is not as easy as one would imagine; it leads to psychological effects such as depression, delusions, suicidal tendencies, hostility, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse.
Regarding clients of adult correctional facilities, it should be noted that the significant increase in the number of adults in correctional agencies is due to the increased prison population. In the last two decades, the use of incarceration as a sanction has skyrocketed. Additionally, the section highlights the issue of racial disparity regarding the offenders placed under correctional supervision as well as the daily routine of male offenders in prisons and their security levels. Moreover, this part of the syllabus touches on the special need of women offenders and the challenges of women offenders who are mothers, including correctional agencies’ efforts to address their needs.
The topic of juvenile courts system addresses the formal arrangements made by the government to deal with and process children that are in conflict with the law. This is in accordance with the set of laws that serve to preserve the child’s best interest and rights. Additionally, the sections outline the formal way to deal with juvenile offenders and the juvenile justice system’s goals in helping the youth develop skills, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into society.
Notably, the section of the world of prison staff touches on matters, including staff training and appointment into these opportunities. It sheds light on matters of guard corruption and extortion, as is common in many prisons in the world. Moreover, the topic covers prison staff’s working conditions and professional standards and good practice by prison staff.
Matters of custody within prison pertain to when a person is arrested and taken to prison until the day they are officially charged in a court of law. There are unique situations for treating offenders in a prison setting, including but are not limited to sex offenders, mental disorders, substance abuse, communicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis C.
Regarding the legal issues currently being experienced in the criminal justice system have to do with drugs, human trafficking, cybercrime, and mental illness. Moreover, the section touches on the controversial death penalty issue. It pertains to the state-sanctioned action of killing offenders as punishment for crimes committed. Moreover, current and future correction issues have to do with the biggest challenges facing corrections, such as funding, overcrowding, inmate violence, technology, and staff retention.
