What are the differences among the four different prison security levels? What kinds of inmates are housed in each and how much freedom are they allowed?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Maximum-security prisons are designed to house the most notorious criminals and are fortress-like, surrounded by stone walls and guard towers with barbed wire and electric fences. Inmates engage in closely controlled activities such as meals, workshops, education, and so on. Rule violators may be confined to their cells or spend time in solitary confinement. These prisons are focused on security. Super-maximum-security prisons house the most predatory criminals. They are stricter than maximum-security prisons, with inmates being locked in their cells 22 to 24 hours a day. The furniture in their cells is all unmovable and all potential weapons have been removed. These prisons are characterized by a lack of human contact and lack of freedom of movement. Medium-security prisons look like maximum-security prisons but are more relaxed. They are also surrounded by walls, but there may be fewer guard towers or other security precautions. Visitation with personal contact may be allowed. In addition, there are honor rooms that can be used to reward inmates who have made exemplary rehabilitation efforts. Medium-security prisons also offer greater treatment efforts. Finally, minimum-security prisons house the most trustworthy and least violent offenders. They are given a great deal of personal freedom, such as work furloughs and educational release. They might have dormitories or small private rooms and are allowed personal possessions that might be deemed dangerous in a maximum-security prison.