With nearly one third of California’s budget being spent on our correctional system, at what point is the spending justified? When can we tell if the correctional system is successful? There are a multitude of problems with correctional systems, not only in California but also throughout the country and beyond our borders. A disproportionately high number of minorities are imprisoned, without any clear, concise justification. Correctional inmates receive free education, while law-abiding college students are struggling to pay the ever-rising cost of tuition.
Also, it has not been shown that prison can rehabilitate inmates. In fact, in some cases, the opposite is true. For example, the Stanford Prison Experiment showcased the prison mentality found in everyday citizens after having completed a "mock" prison sentence. The Stanford Prison Experiment assigned “psychologically normal, healthy college students” as prisoners and prison guards in a mock prison environment. Though only in a basement, these students quickly assimilated to the “prison” mentality. The guards and inmates were allowed to engage freely in conversation, however 90% of the conversations throughout the faux prison were related to “prison” issues. This experiment was a shocking psychological breakthrough that leaves many questions unanswered. Is the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation rehabilitating inmates or creating them?
Also, it has not been shown that prison can rehabilitate inmates. In fact, in some cases, the opposite is true. For example, the Stanford Prison Experiment showcased the prison mentality found in everyday citizens after having completed a "mock" prison sentence. The Stanford Prison Experiment assigned “psychologically normal, healthy college students” as prisoners and prison guards in a mock prison environment. Though only in a basement, these students quickly assimilated to the “prison” mentality. The guards and inmates were allowed to engage freely in conversation, however 90% of the conversations throughout the faux prison were related to “prison” issues. This experiment was a shocking psychological breakthrough that leaves many questions unanswered. Is the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation rehabilitating inmates or creating them?
Whether or not California’s correctional system rehabilitates offenders, one thing is certain: California needs a correctional system. Many objections and debates have arisen over the uncertain success or failure of our system, but the safety it provides our communities is often overlooked. Without California’s Prison System and the loyal team of Correctional Officers it employs, California would not function. It is an everyday struggle for the men and women of California’s correctional system to do their job. Their commitment to the safety of others is grossly underappreciated, and is a vital role in maintaining the state of California.
