U.S. Correctional System

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The U.S. Correctional System Defined

Federal and state criminal justice systems most commonly use the term “corrections” as the replacement for “penology” when referring to the network of agencies that supervise individuals in a state of incarceration, rehabilitation, parole or probation. Accordingly, the term “correctional facility,” has become the substitute to “penal institution.”

If the term "corrections" seems broad it's because the correctional system is responsible for overseeing a wide array of programs- far more than what it is usually given credit for. If you ask most people about the role of the U.S. Correctional System, most would say that it is responsible for monitoring inmates in prison, but would not recognize that it also handles offenders who are conditionally released, as well as those who are merely issued penalties that do not require imprisonment but who still require legally prescribed supervision.

Correspondingly, the role of the corrections officer is very diverse. Overseeing the confinement of inmates who are serving their sentences is their primary role, but their expanded responsibilities typically include the reform and rehabilitation of sentenced offenders, organizing educational opportunities, and offering counseling in preparation for reentry into society.

Incarceration

Incarceration is synonymous with jails and prisons, and other correctional facilities that detain individuals who are involved in perpetrating crimes. Generally, persons who are booked in these institutions are called inmates.

The United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, not necessarily because it has an entirely dysfunctional criminal justice system. The logical reason for this is because of the transparency in reporting, unlike some countries that do not truthfully reveal incarceration statistics.

Jails- By definition, jails are containment areas for suspected offenders who are awaiting trial or sentencing. These individuals are not necessarily guilty of any crime. Many jailed persons are eventually found not guilty of any crimes and ordered released by the courts.

Prisons- Unlike jails, prisons are established for convicted felons. These institutions are maintained for both punishment and reform. Prisons have several security classifications (High, Medium, Low, Minimum) that typically corresponds to the seriousness of a convicted offenders' crime, their demonstration of intent and their capacity to harm others (such as inmates and correctional personnel) during incarceration.

Solitary Confinement- In situations where inmates become violent and pose a threat to others, solitary confinement provides a remedy. This involves placing inmates, who exhibit predatory behavior, in isolated cells that cut off communication with other people.

Community Supervision

Community supervision is either a post-incarceration phase or an outright alternative to incarceration, which has become costly to society. It is part of the sentence, and its administration takes place for the entire duration prescribed by the courts.

The following are terms related to community supervision:

1. Parole
2. Probation
3. Recidivism

Parole- Inmates granted parole status are conditionally released from prison, and are referred to as parolees. Their limited freedom requires them to satisfy requirements, as mandated by law, which include the maintenance of good behavior and their periodic reporting to supervising corrections officers or other prescribed persons of authority. Failure to do so could result in their return to prison.

Probation- Sentenced offenders are not necessarily incarcerated, and the decision on this depends on the courts. On one hand, there are convicted felons who are ordered to serve part of their sentences in prison, and then outside “on probation.” On another, there are those who do not serve time in prison at all, but remain under community supervision. Either case grants convicted felons conditional liberty or provisional freedom subject to periodic evaluation and restrictions similar to those of parolees.

Recent developments have involved the use of electronic tracking devices, which are attached to individuals on probation, to monitor activities and check on the behavior of individuals on probation. The technology has somewhat eased the burden of incarceration, as well as the frequency of face-to-face meetings with supervising corrections officers.

Recidivism- Recidivism relates to convicted felons' return to their criminal ways. This phenomenon is not uncommon, considering factors like predisposition to violence, proclivity to break the law, and the external environment. Commonly, recidivists commit crimes against property (particularly theft and burglary) because they are challenged with limited prospects for employment and decent living conditions. Many recidivists are discriminated against due to their criminal history, and this is among outside factors that drive them to engage in illegal activity.

REMEMBER- Like incarceration, community supervision is part of the punishment and reform process of sentenced offenders. Violating its provisions, such as failing to report to the supervising corrections officer, is considered a crime.

50 State Departments of Correction