Ethics in Corrections 

Answer

Ethical Issues in Prison Systems

           Most correction mechanisms are facilities set up purposefully for justice, incapacitation, deterrence, and rehabilitation. It is a big, wide-reaching phase of criminal justice that includes incarceration, probation, and parole. However, these roles of prison systems are hindered by their effectiveness through unethical practices by the concerned authorities within the system. This essay, therefore, identifies ethical issues within the prison system. Additionally, it elucidates the ethical importance of traditional government-run correction facilities over private prisons. Furthermore, it provides practical consequences of ethical code of conduct violation, explains the importance of community-based correctional programs and discredits the use of physical punishment in the correction facilities. 

Ethical Issues within Prison Systems

           Various ethical issues considerably arise in prison or correctional facilities. Drug trafficking and physical and emotional abuse are some of the ethical issues that are on the rise within the jails. Notably, these unethical concerns are perpetuated by the inmates, prison warders, and the authorities. For example, drugs are supplied by the warders to the convicts who claim they use drugs such as cocaine and marijuana to assist them in solving their glitches. Unreasonably, the wardens blame this practice on low payments. Additionally, it is a business that is created and, to some extent, compromises the fundamental purposes of most prisons. Therefore, the practices leave the question of the role of correctional facilities on convicted small drug dealers. 

           Another critical ethical issue in prison systems is physical and emotional abuse. The rampancy of physical abuse has considerably contributed to physical injuries in prisons. Additionally, the consequences of such cruelties have also significantly led to health or medical complications among inmates. Also, physical mistreatment may lead to a prisoner becoming unable to engage in physical exercises. For example, a prison being severely whipped for failing to follow operational instructions. On the other hand, emotional abuses are usually a result of extreme and life-threatening seclusions from other prisoners. Consequently, such action leads to melancholy and suicides. Additionally, another form of emotional abuse is the use of abusive language. It leads to a loss of self-confidence. Therefore, the kind of abuse in prison systems is unethical since they create more harm than good to the convicts. 

Privatize Prisons versus Traditional Government-run Facilities

It is more ethical and critical to operate traditional government-run prisons as opposed to privatization of prisons. Usually, traditional government-run prisons are constituted to serve the interest of the public at the expense of their taxes. On the other hand, privatization of prisons would mean that they would be owned by an individual or private entities whose sole purpose would be to gain profits. Therefore, private prisons might be susceptible to manipulation and corruption by influencing individuals or business entities. Subsequently, private prisons might end up serving the interest of a few individuals instead of the service to the general public. Hence, it is more ethical to operate traditional government-run prisons versus privatized prisons.

Consequences of Ethical Code of Conduct Violation by Correctional Officers

           More often than not, most of the correctional officers may have been involved in a practice that violates the ethical code of conduct. Subsequently, such an office should effectively face the consequences of their actions. One of the consequences should be coerced resignations and dismissal from their job, especially when the violation is administrative. Additionally, in a case where the desecration of the ethical code of conduct is a criminal infraction, court action is the most appropriate consequence. Furthermore, dismissal or resignation of the officer and court action for administrative and criminal breach is the most suitable consequence of the ethical code of conduct by a correctional officer.

Importance of Community Correction Programs to the Community

           The community programs have less burden and risk to the community since they are cost-effective. Additionally, the programs aids in the facilitation of the reentry of the convicted and rehabilitated criminals back into the community. Typically, most of the community programs include supervisions and surveillance of the released criminals re-entering to minimize or thwart any form of risk. Furthermore, some programs are considerably better than others since some are community-focused and directly benefit the local communities. 

The Appropriateness of Physical Punishment

           Physical punishment is inappropriate in any circumstance that may arise. Usually, it leads to more severe harm to the prisoners who face such punishments. Additionally, Physical punishment may lead to extreme medical conditions. Furthermore, it might cause physical impairment of the inmates. Therefore, this form of punishment is grossly distorted in any circumstance.

           In conclusion, the roles of prison systems are hindered by their effectiveness due to unethical practices by the concerned authorities within the system. Consequently, there are various ethical issues that considerably arise in prison or correctional facilities. These include drug trafficking and abuse and physical and emotional abuse. Additionally, it is more ethical and important to operate traditional government-run prisons as opposed to the privatization of prisons. Furthermore, resignation and dismissal is the most appropriate consequence of ethical code of conduct violation by a correctional officer. Moreover, community programs are neither risky nor a burden. However, there are programs that better than others. Therefore, physical punishment is inappropriate and unethical in any circumstance.