Pros and Cons of Correctional Programs

Answer

Pros and Cons of Correctional Programs

Pros and Cons of Correctional Programs

1. Pros
   1. Efficient use of staff resources

The design of the system motivates offenders to complete the program in less time thus reducing the cost of running the institution while utilizing the available staff resources. The correctional facility uses a continuum sanction approach which encourages an offender to move from the most supervised stage to a less supervised stage based on their ability to demonstrate a change in their behavior.

1. Allows adults to attend classes and work depending on the level of supervision required.

The program creates provision for offenders to attend classes. The offenders are able to gain skills through these classes. The offenders are then better equipped to gain meaningful employment and reduce chances of offence resulting from lack of a source of income.

1. Random drug testing ensures offenders maintain high standards and avoid drug abuse.

The offenders are subjected to random drug tests during reporting times. The random drug tests can be used to determine whether the offender has quit drug and substance abuse as they are never certain of when the tests will be carried out. Consequently, the offenders are compelled to adhere to the standards and policies of the correctional facility, which results into change of behavior.

1. Protection of victims through electronic means supervision

The use of electronic tags that can be traced using radio frequency enables the supervisors to trace and track down every offender. The technology used also enables supervisors to limit the mobility of offenders if they (the offenders) travel to areas they are prohibited from traveling. These areas could include regions where past victims or witnesses of the offenders reside.

2. Cons
   1. public safety may be compromised

The offenders can pose a threat to the immediate members of the community they interact with. According to North Carolina Community College System & North Carolina (2010), offenders are likely to become repeat offenders if they do not experience a change of environment. This indicates that offenders have a higher probability of change if and when they are introduced to new environments as is provided by the prison environment.

1. Misuse of resources

Furthermore, the continuous monitoring by supervisors leads to continuous involvement with the criminal justice department resources. Numerous personnel are required to ensure that the correctional facilities are running efficiently on a daily basis. Resources such as vehicles and technical equipment used in monitoring and supervision of the offenders can be put in use to enhance security of the community rather than prevent the offenders from committing further crimes. For instance, resources used in tracking the location of offenders could be used to track emergency services and increase the chances of saving lives.

1. Peer influence

Another disadvantage of community based correctional facilities is the effect of peer influence on the offenders who desire to change their ways. According to North Carolina Community College System & North Carolina (2010), peer influence accounts for 65% of repeat offenders. This can be attributed to the peer pressure experienced by offenders from their friends in the same community. It is thus advisable that such offenders be taken out of the community to avoid peer influence and enhance their ability to change.

Conclusion

As seen above, there are numerous advantages of community correctional facilities just as there are disadvantages. Some of the advantages discussed in this paper are efficient use of staff resources, provision for adults to attend classes and work depending on the level of supervision required, random drug testing ensures offenders maintain high standards and avoid drug abuse and protection of victims through electronic means supervision. The cons discussed herein include possible compromise of public safety, misuse of community resources and peer influence from offender’s peers.