Introduction
Once inmates or detainees have fully served their sentence and are released, the time to re-join society comes. This transaction is tough despite the amount of time they serve in prison. Subsequently, a large number of detainees who are released from prison re-offend and eventually return to prison. This occurrence is what is known as recidivism, almost relative to a relapse. It is among the measurements used commonly to determine how well-armored individuals are to be released and return to society. This paper discusses the relationship between human dignity and the mission for public safety in prisons plus the aspect of recidivism.
Relationship between Dignity and Public Safety in Detention
The aspect of human dignity seems foreign in prisons, though dignity is inherent to every person, be it an inmate or not. It acclaims the innate worth and the right of individuals that allows them to be treated with humanity and respect. Provision of order and security, on the other hand, is fundamental and essential in places of detention (Carl 368). They both constitute a highly integral part of the nation’s responsibility to safeguard the people deprived of their liberty. Human dignity and public safety as practiced in places of detention or prisons are independent.
Hard as it may seem, prisons and human dignity happen to be compatible. International Center for Prison Studies identified and stated that it is wrong to advocate that treating humans with fairness and humanity will lead to a degrade in security and control (Snacken 401). However, certain security measures and practices can be, by their nature, restrictive and intrusive limiting diversion of detainees’ rights. Concerns of security may be overemphasized and pushed too far to the impairment of the prisoners’ dignity. Some excessive and disproportionate measures are usually taken in the name of security. They are implemented in a manner that can be oppressive and brutal. It can also be done in a systematic manner not considering whether or not the person poses an actual risk.
The biggest challenge for prison administrations mainly is to maintain security at the same time safeguarding the dignity as well as human rights of the individuals who are deprived of liberty (Snacken 417). Policies, for instance in a format like a code of conduct ought to be in place so as to authoritatively guide staff and prison administration when implementing security measures. Moreover, contingency planning must be carried out so as to establish the behavior of personnel and appropriate procedures in different scenarios. It also allows for prison staff to receive proper training. Furthermore, it is important for persons monitoring the places of detention to ask which and whether protocols exist and how to balance security and dignity.
Outcome of Respect of Human Dignity in Detention
Fairness, legitimacy, and regard to a person’s dignity are not only essential to an inmate’s well-being in prison but also have visible and demonstrable effects on order. When a detainee’s rights are well respected, it is highly likely that they will comply with the authority and legitimacy of prison staff (Carl 369). Thus, the risk of disorder and tensions reduces. In UK prisons, research suggests that prisoners experience safety and order along with respect, humanity, and fairness as what matters the most in prison life. Dignity is capacity for many values which include; rationality, self-control, autonomy and resisting temptations.
Evidence that Approach with Humanity Reduces Recidivism
Over the last 55 years, dozens of studies conducted in some countries every year examined whether prisoners being treated with humanity has led to a reduction in recidivism. Reviews of the earliest statistical studies heaved pessimistic conclusions about how effective treatment with humanity and valuing human dignity is (Carl 370). For instance, the review in 1989 of the humanity treatment literature, despite methodological shortcomings, some argued that there be deficient evidence to sustain the notion that treating detainees with humanity and honoring their dignity reduced cases of recidivism.
Meta-analyses following respect of human dignity in prisons have, though with a few momentous exceptions (Snacken 422), found lower recidivism rates for inmates treated with humanity as compared to those whose rights are neglected. Statistical meta-analyses came to a result that found prisoners treated with humanity lower recidivism rate by 10 to 15 percent every year after their release from detainment (Carl 366). Most of them return to the society and are productive. A great example is Halden prison in Norway, where recidivism rate is as low as 20%. The place has a relatively low crime rate because of its healthy and humane prison conduct.
Conclusion
As much as public safety is a mission all prisons have to achieve, treating inmates inhumanely or overemphasizing law consequences on the detainees does more harm than good. Every human is eligible to human dignity even persons deprived of liberty. As discussed, recidivism comes as a result of misused prison conduct and negligence of an inmate’s rights. So yes, prisons can multitask and respect human dignity while at the same time administering public security and safety.
Works Cited
Snacken, Sonja. "Punishment, Legitimate Policies and Values: Penal Moderation, Dignity and Human Rights." Punishment & Society 17.3 (2015): 397-423. Academic Search Premier. Web. 7 Apr. 2016
Carl, Sabine. "Prisoner Welfare, Human Rights and the North Rhine-Westphalian Prison Ombudsman." Journal of Social Welfare & Family Law 35.3 (2013): 365-377. Academic Search Premier. Web. 7 Apr. 2016.
