Prisons are meant to be places of rehabilitation and reform, but in many parts of the world, they are becoming more and more violent. The increase in prison violence raises concerns about the safety of inmates, correction officers, and the effectiveness of the prison system itself. In order to change the violent behaviors we must first figure out why and how. Understanding those two important things will lead to a resolution.
What’s Driving the Increased Prison Violence?
Prison violence isn’t new, but its surge in recent years is alarming. Overcrowding is one of the main reasons. Violence in overcrowded prisons has risen by nearly a third to a post pandemic high, (Daily Telegraph, 2024). When you over populate a space, tensions rise. Imagine being forced to live in a tiny room with too many roommates and zero privacy, now add a criminal history. Conflict is bound to happen.
Another contributing factor is the lack of mental health resources. According to a PLoS ONE article, there are 10 million admissions to U.S. prisons and jails each year. More than half of those admitted have mental health problems (PLoS ONE, 2024). Without proper treatment, these conditions can lead to erratic or aggressive behavior, making an already volatile environment even more dangerous.
Moreover, a lot of prisons are understaffed which also adds to the problem. When correctional officers are have so many prisoners to look over, they can’t adequately supervise inmates or deescalate conflicts. It’s not just about the number of officers, it’s also about their training. Many officers don’t receive sufficient preparation to handle the complex social dynamics in prisons, leaving them unequipped to maintain order.
Lastly, the proliferation of contraband, including drugs and weapons, increases violence. Despite security measures, contraband finds its way into prisons, fueling gang activity and disputes. Gangs, in particular, play a significant role in perpetuating violence, often using prisons as battlegrounds to assert dominance.
The Human Cost of Prison Violence
The rising violence in prisons takes a heavy toll on everyone involved. For inmates, the threat of violence creates a constant state of fear and anxiety. This isn’t conducive to rehabilitation because how can someone focus on turning their life around when they’re worried about surviving the day?
Correctional officers aren’t immune to these dangers either. Working in a violent environment affects their physical safety and mental well being. Violence is prevalent in prisons, but the number of people who are direct victims of these acts is lower than the number of people who witness violence inflicted onto others (USA Today (Vol. 149, Issue 2903), 2020).
Beyond the walls of the prison, society pays the price as well. When inmates are released from a violent environment, they are more likely to carry those behaviors into the outside world. Instead of returning as reformed individuals, they may reoffend, perpetuating the cycle of crime and incarceration.
Why Should You Care?
It’s easy to dismiss prison violence as someone else’s problem, but the truth is, it affects all of us. Prisons are a reflection of society’s values and priorities. When they fail, it’s a sign that broader systems like healthcare, education, and the criminal justice system are also failing.
Moreover, many incarcerated individuals will eventually rejoin society. If they’ve spent years in a violent, environment that is dehumanizing at the same time, they’re less likely to reintegrate successfully. This impacts public safety, social unity, and even taxpayer dollars, as recidivism rates remain high.
What Can Be Done?
Addressing rising prison violence requires a multi-faceted approach. First, we need to tackle overcrowding. This could involve reforming sentencing laws, particularly for nonviolent offenses, to reduce the number of people entering the prison system. Alternatives like probation, community service, and restorative justice programs can also help.
Second, investing in mental health resources is crucial. Prisons should have more psychologists, counselors, and support groups to address inmates mental health needs. Early intervention can prevent many violent incidents.
Improving staff training is another essential step. Correctional officers need the tools and knowledge to manage conflicts effectively, identify warning signs of violence, and build positive relationships with inmates.
Technology can also play a role. Modern surveillance systems, body cameras, and other tools can help monitor activities and prevent violence. However, technology should complement, not replace human oversight and engagement.
Finally, reducing the flow of contraband into prisons requires a concerted effort. Enhanced security measures, combined with intelligence-sharing among law enforcement agencies, can help stem the tide.
A Call to Action
Prison violence is a complex issue with no quick fixes, but that doesn’t mean we should throw up our hands in despair. By addressing the root causes and implementing thoughtful reforms, we can create safer, more effective prison systems.
As citizens, we can push for these changes by staying informed, voting for leaders who prioritize criminal justice reform, and supporting organizations that work to improve prison conditions.
Ultimately, the goal of prisons should be to prepare individuals for a better future, not to trap them in a cycle of violence and despair. It’s time to shift our focus from punishment to rehabilitation, from neglect to care. After all, a more humane prison system benefits everyone, not just those behind bars.
References
Prison violence soars to post-pandemic high. NEWS BULLETIN. (2024, July 26). Daily Telegraph [London, England], 2. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A802647482/GPS?u=nysl_me_moncol&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=d9fdd980
Johnson, J. E., Hailemariam, M., Zlotnick, C., Richie, F., & Wiltsey-Stirman, S. (2024). Analysis of implementation processes in a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for major depressive disorder in prisons: Training, supervision, and recommendations. PLoS ONE, 19(5), e0288182. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0288182
Inmate Witnesses Struggle with PTSD. (2020, August). USA Today, 149(2903), 14. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A635075157/GPS?u=nysl_me_moncol&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=37c32a15
