Context: Between 1973 and 1997, imprisonments rose 500%. The public had voiced their view that prison is not for rehabilitation. Prison is to preserve public safety and serve as a means of harsh punishment for offenses.
The public voice was heard, and the prisons were filled. This increase in incarceration rates has since led to a public call for an evaluation of the prison system, crime policy, and the financial impact of crime.
Task Description: Analyze the current rate of prison population growth in your area. What are some current prison systems and crime policies in your community?
Compare prison costs to standard-of-living costs in your area. Are the current prison systems and crime policies working? Why or why not?
What do you predict for the future? Suggest changes that may improve future outcomes.