Alternatives to Incarceration Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Alternatives to Incarceration - Assignment Example Historically, this has not always been true following some inmates serving time for their third or even fourth time. This shows that the system on itself is not very efficient because any form of punishment should be aimed at punishing and also rectifying the offender. In addition, the idea of serving time in prison has been the norm to most criminals who have previously served time. Some of the incarcerations act as reunions of the offenders with their friends and acquaintances already in there. Adding to the reasons is the increase rate of corruption which make it possible for ‘well of’ individuals serving time in prison make deals with the prison guards enabling them still to run their business and gangs while still in confinement. This, therefore, shows the level of inefficient in the incarceration system. Herivel & Wright (2009) clearly show the level of corruption in the criminal system and who profits from mass incarceration. Economically, the cost of constructing and running these confinement facilities is usually very high. According to Petteruti et al. (2009), the average cost of maintaining an inmate held in state-funded, post-adjudication and residential facilities is $240.99 per day. This translates to huge sums of tax-payers’ money that could be used elsewhere if cheaper and effective forms of punishments were used instead. Furthermore, this act of imprisonment directly results to societal poverty. For instance, the detachment of supposed income earners or bread winners from their family also creates an economic challenge. Those left by the convict must adjust and learn to live without the convict’s contributions. This can lead to increased crime rate as those left behind try to satisfy their basic needs. Besides, the conviction of individuals lowers their chances of resuming their current jobs or even getting any jobs at all leads to a cycle of poverty in the