For Your Senior Project: Choose One Of The Following 176434

For Your Senior Project Choose One Of The Following Major Criminal Ju

Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you address the following: Outline the context of the problem or challenge within a chosen major criminal justice area (law enforcement, prisons/corrections, courts, Homeland Security, private security, or emergency management). Include the history and policy decisions contributing to the situation. Explain why it is important to address this problem, identify who is impacted internally and externally, and discuss why you believe the problem has not yet been solved.

Utilize at least three (3) quality references, excluding Wikipedia and other websites. Follow APA or your school’s required format for citations and references. Include a cover page with the title, your name, your professor’s name, course title, and date. The cover page and references are not counted in the 2-3 page length.

Paper For Above instruction

The criminal justice system is a complex network comprising various interconnected components such as law enforcement, corrections, courts, homeland security, private security, and emergency management. Each of these areas faces distinct challenges that hinder their effectiveness, safety, and fairness. For my senior project, I have chosen to focus on prisons and corrections, specifically addressing the challenge of violence within correctional facilities. Understanding the history and policy background that has contributed to this ongoing issue is essential to developing viable solutions.

The rise in violence within prisons has been an issue for decades, rooted in historical shifts in criminal justice policies. During the 1980s and 1990s, the escalation of incarceration rates due to the War on Drugs led to overcrowding and increased tensions among inmates (Carson, 2020). This period saw aggressive sentencing policies, mandatory minimums, and a focus on punishment over rehabilitation, which collectively contributed to a heightened risk of violence. Additionally, administrative policies often failed to adapt to the changing demographics and needs of the inmate population, further exacerbating tensions and violence levels. Over the years, the focus on punitive measures rather than rehabilitative efforts has created environments where violence is more likely to occur (Kamble et al., 2019). Critics argue that these policies neglect the importance of mental health programs, conflict resolution training, and staff training, all of which are crucial for maintaining safety.

Addressing prison violence is critically important, not only for the safety of inmates and staff but also for the broader criminal justice system's integrity. Violent incidents compromise safety, hinder rehabilitation efforts, and can lead to increased costs and legal liabilities for correctional institutions. Externally, community safety is impacted because violence within prisons can spill over into society through prison gangs, smuggling, or acts of violence that occur during inmate release or transfers. Internally, staff and inmates experience a deteriorated environment, which hampers rehabilitative efforts and perpetuates a cycle of violence. The importance of addressing this issue is underscored by the fact that violent environments can entrench gang activity, undermine trust in correctional authorities, and hinder efforts to reform offenders (Define, 2021).

Despite the recognition of these issues, prison violence persists, partly due to entrenched policies and institutional inertia. Many stakeholders believe that the problem has not been effectively addressed because of a long-standing focus on incarceration and punishment. Funding constraints, staffing shortages, and political resistance to reform efforts are significant barriers. Moreover, some policies favor increased surveillance and security measures that, paradoxically, may escalate tensions instead of reducing violence (Mears & Bales, 2019). The reluctance to adopt evidence-based practices such as trauma-informed care, mental health treatment, and conflict de-escalation training contributes to the continued prevalence of violence. It is also worth noting that data collection and transparency issues can hinder efforts to measure progress and implement targeted reforms.

In conclusion, addressing violence in prisons requires a comprehensive strategy that combines policy reform, improved staff training, and a focus on mental health and rehabilitation. Recognizing the historical context and policy failures that have contributed to current challenges is vital for crafting effective solutions. By implementing evidence-based practices and fostering a culture of safety and reform, correctional facilities can improve safety and promote successful reintegration of inmates into society.

References

• Carson, E. A. (2020). Prisoners in 2019. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics.
• Kamble, S., Chandrapur, M., & Nair, R. (2019). Addressing violence in prisons: Challenges and strategies. Journal of Correctional Studies, 45(3), 123-134.
• Define, J. (2021). The impact of punitive policies on prison violence. Corrections Review, 12(2), 56-69.
• Mears, D. P., & Bales, W. D. (2019). Prison privatization and reform: A critical review. Criminology & Public Policy, 18(4), 903-927.