Supermaximum Security Prisons Essay - 1373 Words

The correctional system has tried to determine what the best method for dealing with criminals is, particularly criminals who are deemed to be the worst criminal type. There are two different models that have been suggested, the dispersion model and the consolidation model. To define it simply, the dispersion model scatters offenders with unusually dangerous histories or disruptive behavioral patterns throughout the correctional system, thus avoiding a concentration of such offenders in any one location (Hickey, 2010, p. 208). The consolidation model involves placing all highly dangerous inmates at one location and controlling them through reliance on heightened security procedures (Hickey, 2010, p. 209). Of course, each of†¦show more content†¦437). This case also uncovered information pertaining to guards covering up for each other and union officials using their power to stop official investigations (Pollock, 2010). Generally speaking, this type of conduct is not a ll that uncommon in corrections. However, in terms of supermax facilities it cannot be suddenly acceptable for brutality and lack of medical care to occur just because the criminals are considered the worst of the worst (Hickey, 2010). Another problem with Supermax prisons is the procedure for transfer. Allegations have been made suggesting that those types of prisons are being used for individuals that are not particularly dangerous and are more analogous to troublemakers. In addition, there are reports of mentally ill individuals being sent to supermax prisons because of the individual’s inability to control their own behavior. It has be determined that the conditions in the supermax prisons cause mentally ill individuals to become more ill due to isolation and lack of medical care (Pollock, 2010). As previously discussed, these types of prison conditions are associated with increased rate of mental illness. Should mentally ill inmates be sent to supermax prisons? Ev en individuals that agree with the use of supermaximum security prisons identify the mentally ill as a group that should not be sent to supermax prisons. The mentally ill are placed in the same category as inmates whoShow MoreRelatedTexas Tough : The Rise Of Americas Prison Empire1423 Words   |  6 PagesTexas Tough: The Rise of America’s Prison Empire In Robert Perkinson’s book, Texas Tough: The Rise of America’s Prison Empire, a remarkable amount of a decade’s worth of in-depth research is given regarding Texas and it’s astounding past regarding racism, prisons, and penitentiaries. Perkinson’s finding lead to how the only way to escape what could be the continuation of tragedy in this nation is to examine the history of this nation’s most severe prison state, Texas. It allRead MoreThe Effectiveness Of Supermax Prisons And Extreme Solitary Confinement2106 Words   |  9 PagesThe Effectiveness of Supermax Prisons and Extreme Solitary Confinement Kelsey R. Eborall Boise State University Abstract This paper discusses what supermax prisons are and the philosophy behind them. There are minimum, medium, and maximum-security prisons, so what was the reasoning behind forming a supermax security level? Supermax prisons are an extreme form of solitary confinement used to keep away the worst inmates. Many questions are raised on whether this is a humane form or incapacitationRead MorePrison Expansion: No Benefit to Society Essay2055 Words   |  9 Pagessafe as one would like to believe, that there are more than a few less than savory citizens in our midst. Expanding our nation’s prisons is not necessary to benefit society because prisoners cost society more than money, they do not reform prisoners, and they do not treat prisoners fairly. But prisons have not always been this way. Before the 1800’s, the idea of prisons was non-existent. When someone committed a crime and was tried in court, the judge had the power to declare the accused guilty