Challenges Faced by the Correctional System, Essay Example

The corrections system is preserved as the key element in the system of justice that operates under constraints imposed by the broader society. Lots of contradictions perceived in the corrections system goals and in its achievement strategies have their counterpart in community disorganization. Therefore, any significant improvement in the prison’s efficiency will most likely require a fundamental overhaul of both the system of justice and the community’s normative structure.

The contemporary corrections system faces multiple challenges and organizational obstacles that need to be solved on a really short notice in order to ensure the fulfillment of its primary goals. One of the major problems would be the management control of facilities, because the thought of contracting communicable diseases and being abused by violent inmates would threaten the staff and general population. Essentially the quality of life for such inmates is greatly shaped and affected by administrative decisions on screening and detection, housing, educational programs, access to quality medical treatment, mental health support, and funding. Another important issue is people actually reoffending and returning to prisons, because of the lack of transitional programs, like educational and vocational programs for inmates who return back in the society. Another issue would be overcrowding of inmates in corrections facilities and lack of trained and professional staff. It happens because even people who have committed misdemeanors or non-violent crimes are being incarcerated instead of sending them to perform some kind of community service work.

In fact, the lack of education, funding, and transitional programs are the most considerable challenges corrections system currently faces. However, it seems that the system does not really succeed in “correcting” inmates. So in the end, the biggest problem is letting criminals out to become criminals again.

References

Calderon, M. (2006). Correctional Issues Debate. Retrieved February 26, 2009, from http://www.anairhoads.org/calderon/corrissues.shtml/