Compare and contrast the four security levels in U.S. prisons: minimum security, medium security, maximum security, and supermax. How do you think each level of security relates to overall costs?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Minimum-security prisons include ranches, farms, and cottages. They are designed for first-time prisoners and nonviolent offenders with short sentences. These prisons have fewer staff members and more interaction among prisoners, so there is the possibility of abuse or violence.
Medium-security prisons usually have razor wire perimeters. They often have dormitory-style housing and some freedom of movement within the facility.
Maximum-security facilities have even more focus on control and isolation. Usually prisoners are locked up for all but an hour or two per day. Because of this control and isolation, there is usually less violence in these facilities, but there is not necessarily any more behavior change than there is at the lower levels of security.
Supermax prisons are rare and designed for "the worst of the worst." Lights are on 24 hr per day and there is constant video surveillance. There can be up to two staffers for each supermax prisoner.
I think that with greater supervision and orderliness there must be more expense. More guards cost more money. Also, on the minimum-security farms and ranches, prisoners might be able to grow food or take care of animals, bringing in some revenue.