How prisons should be

This entry from Cranky Chick motivated me to share my thoughts regarding the American penal system...

I think that when a person is sent to prison, they should initially be placed in one giant barracks style room.

At the outset, they would be entitled to a bed frame, mattress, and three life sustaining meals per day.

They would also be given the opportunity to perform some job within the prison.

Time worked with satisfactory performance would earn the prisoners credits.

Transgressions would result in losing some credits - the amount based on the severity of the transgression.

Credits in turn could be used to "buy" privileges. Privileges could include access to exercise facilities, better meals, better accommodations, television privileges, and so on.

This system would give inmates an incentive to follow the rules and contribute to the prison "society."

This in turn would help the prisoners learn the behaviors necessary for successful reintegration into our society.

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Posted by David at October 17, 2002 07:06 PM