What recommendations would you make to improve U.S. prisons? Support your opinion with evidence from the chapter.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Varies. A sample answer follows. Because prisons are by definition controlling, I would increase the number of "carrots" where possible. Privileges like recreation time, computer time, therapy sessions, classes, and books increase morale and reduce stress. Working in a less stressful environment would probably result in less staff turnover. And "carrots" like gym equipment are likely to be much less expensive than "sticks" like more SHU facilities. One piece of evidence that supports this is that a 2013 meta-analysis by RAND summarized the results of such studies conducted over nearly 20 years. The aggregate results show a distinct and significant set of advantages for inmates that participated in education programs in terms of less recidivism (a 13% reduction), better job prospects after leaving prison (13% more former inmates found employment), and lower costs to prison systems for educating rather than re-incarcerating prisoners. Also, The National Correctional Recreation Association defends recreation, including weightlifting, as building self-esteem and self-discipline, counteracting idleness, creating incentives, and relieving stress.