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50 Founders Plaza
East Hartford, CT 06108
50 Founders Plaza
East Hartford, CT 06108
The problem of mass incarceration in the United States is well-known. With around two million prisoners held in both state and federal prisons, taxpayers spend more than $80 billion annually to keep these institutions running. Conditions in prisons are harsh, and violence occurs regularly. The rates of recidivism are high, with around 65 percent of people who are released from prison being arrested and sentenced to additional prison time. Former prisoners are six times more likely to be unemployed than other people in the U.S.
While the need for prison reform is evident, there are many disagreements about what can be done to improve conditions in prison, reduce recidivism rates, and encourage rehabilitation. However, the prisons in Scandinavian countries like Norway and Sweden may provide a good example. These countries have achieved much better results from their prisons, including recidivism rates that are around 20 to 25 percent. Because of this, some prisons in the United States are looking to follow suit.
While prisoners may struggle to ensure that they are treated fairly, they can take steps to protect their rights. A Hartford, CT attorney with experience in criminal law can provide legal representation, helping them understand their legal options and working to ensure that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
To address the ongoing problems in the state’s prisons, officials in Pennsylvania approved a research program to determine whether other methods might be relevant. This program has been operating a unit known as Little Scandinavia at a prison in the city of Chester since 2020. At this unit, fewer prisoners are held, and they are supervised by more staff members. Prisoners are treated with dignity and humanity, emphasizing peace and calm and encouraging them to engage in activities that allow for rehabilitation.
Little Scandinavia differs significantly from the loud, chaotic, violent conditions in most prisons. Prisoners work closely with staff members, preparing their own food, exercising, and playing games together. They are given space for self-reflection, and mentorship and community are encouraged. The goal is to prepare prisoners for life outside prison once they have served their sentences while also reducing stress and focusing on self-improvement during their time inside.
While the results of this program have yet to be fully seen or analyzed, since additional time will be needed to determine recidivism rates, the prisoners have reported many benefits. Being treated with dignity reduces the levels of stress significantly, and by avoiding the constant threat of violence, they can focus on rehabilitation.
The effects on guards have also been significant. Throughout the United States, corrections officers experience post-traumatic stress disorder at twice the rate of veterans, and they experience high rates of depression and suicide. Reductions in violence and conflict and improved relationships with prisoners have been beneficial for staff members.
The apparent success of this program has led to other similar programs throughout the United States. The philosophy behind prisons may be shifting, focusing less on retribution and punishment and more on addressing the causes of crimes and helping prisoners avoid criminal activity in the future.
Even though reforms are slowly being made to the prison system in the United States, people who are charged with crimes are still likely to face harsh sentences that can affect their lives permanently. At Woolf Law Firm, LLC, we work to defend clients against criminal charges and address issues that may affect the rights of defendants and prisoners. To get legal help with matters related to criminal law, contact our East Hartford, CT criminal defense lawyer at 860-290-8690 and schedule a free consultation.
50 Founders Plaza
