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Understanding Prison Life

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Understanding Prison Life
Life in Prison
CJA383
November 7, 2010

Life in Prison Life in prison is difficult to understand for those who have not experienced this kind of life. This paper will discuss the how my understanding of prison life has changed since reading the assigned materials.
Change in Understanding of Prison Life My understanding of prison life since reading the course’s assigned readings and ERR articles has changed, to the extent that I originally viewed some prisons to be more of a vacation spot for some criminals as opposed to being a place that criminals are sent to serve harsh, sentence with the fear of facing other dangerous criminals. I also believed that prisoners did not deserve any sort of rights under the Constitution, because
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I could not begin to fathom the idea of facing gang violence while in prison, with the constant threat of being attacked or killed because I would chose not a part of the gangs. In regards to drug addictions, it has to be extremely difficult to suffer through withdrawals while in prison. I would imagine that this can make an inmate begin to believe he or she is crazy and begin locked in a cell has to make that inmate feel even worse. With most prisons lacking substance abuse programs and treatment this too has to make the situation …show more content…
Another policy that I would enforce is the need for substance abuse programs that will assist with treatment of addictions and mental health services for those with mental illnesses. As of today there are few prisons that offer these services to inmates. The new policy will address this issue, make it possible for inmates to receive medical treatment and substance abuse treatment. Finally, I would implement a policy to address the violence within the prison system. This policy would implement severe punishment for those involved in violent activities. Depending upon the seriousness of the violence, the offending inmate could face solitary confinement and possibly place in a maximum security ward of the prison.
How Inmate’s Needs Contribute to Correctional

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