Prisons should be reformed to focus on inmate labor to compensate victims of violent crimes. Gainful employment for the inmate population can also serve to reduce taxpayer burden while maintaining a basic standard of living and food quality in prisons. Acquiring labor skills and work ethic may also reduce recidivism upon release.
First and foremost, violent criminals should pay back in full the victims of the crimes they personally committed with no maximum cap. Victims and their families bearing the cost is an additional insult to the original crime. Criminals should be liable for all costs including medical, litigation, lost wages of victim, lost wages of caretakers, and any lifelong treatments or therapies. This is necessary for criminals to understand the extent of the damage they’ve done and a way to begin amending for their actions.
Additionally, each inmate should be responsible for paying for his/her own room and board. This will ensure a basic standard of living and quality of food. Non-violent offenders can be given the opportunity for increased standard of living with additional work. This should reflect real world working conditions where hard work and savings earns results. This may facilitate an easier transition to employment upon release from prison and may reduce recidivism.