Based on comments I have read in other prison reform topics on this site, it seems that the current incentive structure in our prison systems are counterproductive - such as requiring an ongoing high occupancy rate. Consider de-incentivizing existing dehumanizing/demoralizing practices, and instead incentivize programs that improve dignity and health. Such programs can provide true rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
Such programs may cost more initially, but long term savings would be realized through decreased repeated incarceration. The data is already being tracked and should be readily available. Incentives could include bonuses, awards or special events for the prison personnel with the lowest recidivism rates. Prison personnel would then be invested in the long term success of their inmates. The programs with the best success could be replicated around the country. Prison systems could submit proposals for grants to fund innovative programs.
I saw many ideas for such programs on this forum. One I would offer is
addressing mental health through a functional medicine approach.
Functional medicine seeks to identify and address the root cause of health issues. Very often mental health issues (including tendencies toward anger/violence) are rooted in specific micronutrient deficiencies and/or predisposing genetics that are amenable to dietary supplement solutions. Such root causes can often be identified through simple lab tests, and non-pharmaceutical interventions can be prescribed.
Along with counseling, inmates can learn the psychological as well as biochemical influences on their behavior and take emotional and dietary steps to improve their lives. This would combine well with the many suggestions for job-training programs I see on this forum as well.
This approach would be especially important for our juvenile population.
I would like to add is those professionals in the justice/prison system need to learn about the offender’s upbringing. When their behavior cannot be contributed to mentally ill professionals might want to look at the environment in which they were raise. It might be found they weren’t raised in a civilized environment.
An interesting article Carol. I truly wished life worked that way. Let’s start with the fact that one out of every 25 people is a sociopath. That’s right. The next time you walk into a crowded restaurant, movie theater, or grocery store; the odds are that there is at least one sociopath near you. And you cannot spot them. Now consider that sociopaths tend to move into positions of power like politicians, managers, gang members, police, criminals, and convicted criminals called prisoners (yes, the ratio is much higher in prisons). Mind you, I’m not even bringing up the concept of psychopaths and narcissists. If you are going to suggest redesigning the prison system, you had better understand just exactly who and what you are dealing with. We, as a society, have not even tried to identify them as young adults. Not that that information would help change them because they enjoy living their lives without any form of regret. Let’s look at a typical sociopath. This particular sociopath is not in the “criminal” class. Meaning that she isn’t breaking into homes or robbing banks. In fact, she works as a teller at a bank. She isn’t angry at the cat, or the people who own the cat. She just, like any typical sociopath, “feels better” when she harms others. This woman’s sociopathic habits are not harmful enough to put her in prison. And like most sociopaths, she is very gracious, social, and competent. Yet society (a future husband, an employer, or a government board making an evaluation about her ability to take in an orphaned child) would be better off being warned about her.
If you want to reduce the recidivism rate, figure out how to identify and aggressively “cure” these people. As a byproduct, you would also reduce the mind blowing amount of corruption in government; the divorce rate, and the white collar crime rate.
If I may add this. The economic systems of communism and socialism, when studied in academia, are wonderful. Everyone working together and helping each other. How wonderful life would be. But every time they have been put in practice, they turn into a system best described by George Orwell’s 1945 book, “Animal Farm.” Which leads to the old saying, “You can’t take the pig out of the human being.” Even capitalism, which allows for the pig in the human being, must guard itself against Monopolies, Trusts, and Government Sponsored Entities (GSEs) that are created and funded by Congress for the hidden (but currently legal) purpose of receiving targeted political campaign contributions from them. So please figure out a way to convince the unknown number of sociopaths in Congress to pass legislation that will identify all sociopaths in our society. You have your work cut out for you.
