The Pros And Cons Of Corrections

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My perception of “corrections” is that of a system used to punish offenders for committing crimes with a goal of changing their criminal behavior, i.e. rehabilitation. However, the action of committing a crime, or crimes, is not only a behavior, it is also a mindset. Therefore, an offender’s criminal mindset must be changed to achieve complete rehabilitation. Corrections is also used as a means of deterrence for potential reoffenders and new offenders (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). The area of corrections is not a “one-size fits all” system. Meaning, there will always be repeat and new offenders. Neither, does it punish every offender. This area consists of many entities to ensure a more “tailored” fit for offenders. These entities include community corrections—probation and parole, jails, penitentiaries, and halfway houses (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). I, personally, believe the corrections system is poorly deterring, punishing, and rehabilitating criminals. In my opinion, this system is performing to the best of its ability, considering numerous budget cuts and staffing issues. Community corrections, halfway houses, and all correctional institutions are affected by these problematic issues. Probation and parole officers, at one point in time, closely monitored their clients (Klingele, 2015). Now, it is virtually …show more content…

Mainly, due to numerous repeat offenders. These institutions have an assortment of rehabilitation programs. However, they do not work when offenders refuse to engage in them or do not use the learned skills outside of the prison walls. Furthermore, no number of rehabilitative programs will be successful in keeping offenders in the community, if they do not have the desire to change. Nor will corrections be successful in deterring new offenders, or repeat offenders for that matter, without the desire to be law abiding

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