Strengths and Limitations Current research regarding overcrowding in prisons and jails is relatively limited in its scope. Most research focuses on only prisons and is primarily quantitative research. Quantitative research is incapable of examining personal opinions of inmates who serve time in overcrowded institutions; and ask whether or not inmates accredit their failure to rehabilitate to overcrowding. Qualitative research would help better understand how inmates perceive the issue, and whether or not the statistical issues are reflected in their minds. Quantitative data clearly shows that overcrowding in prisons has negative effects such as lack of resources, poorer living environment, and ultimately higher recidivism …show more content…
Doe did mention that she does not personally feel she has the ability or power to directly reduce overcrowding in prisons and jails (Personal Communication, Jan 27, 2016). With the passing of Proposition 47 Doe noticed that there was a drop in prison population and her work load was slightly decreased. She continued to see the same amount of inmates every day; however, her services were more accessible to inmates after Proposition 47. Since there were less people in the prison a greater proportion of the inmates were able to meet with the counselor to get help. It is difficult for Doe to say as to whether or not she has seen a drop in recidivism rates after Proposition 47 was passed. She guessed that there might be a slight decrease in recidivism rates at her facility; however, overcrowding is only one the many issues that effects recidivism rates (Personal Communication, Jan 27, …show more content…
Certain efforts have been made, such as Proposition 47, but they are not without flaws and backfire. There is a cause and effect with every effort to relieve overcrowding. With Proposition 47, there was a large number of inmates who were released early from their sentence. This resulted in a quick drop in prison population; however, more people were committing low level offenses because they did not fear incarceration. The more crimes there were, the more the court system got backed up. There are many ways to go about resolving the issue of overcrowding in Los Angeles. There may not be a perfect solution, but in order to spark change, something must be