For a long time now, incarceration has often been hypothesized as the primary way in which those found to be guilty of different criminal offenses are sentenced. However, the costs in managing prisons have spiraled up in a significant way. Coupled with the increasing prison populations, this places immense pressure prisons; hence, the need for alternatives of incarcerations. Speaking of alternative of incarcerations, this connotes to other options that can be utilized instead of imprisonment (Mays & Winfree, 2009). Notably, there exist a number of sentences that can act as alternative of incarcerations.
More importantly, criminal offenders such as those who are found to be driving while drunk can be sentenced to probation instead of being incarcerated. Another option that can serve for this case is public shaming whereby criminal offender are barricaded in the public with flyers pasted on their clothing in order to ashamed them in the eyes of the public. Even so, the alternatives adopted instead of incarceration should vary depending on crimes. This is because being lenient on certain crimes may demean the role of the criminal justice system. In addition, it may precipitate increase in crimes because giving lenient sentences for grave offenses elicits involvement in these crimes by the delinquent societal members. (Mays & Winfree, 2009)
Another notable alternative for incarceration is the use if halfway house. Definitely, half ways were often intended to serve as a rehabilitation centre for people discharge from prison. Nonetheless, they can serve as an alternative for incarceration, particularly foe people sentenced for short periods. On a similar note, home confinement where an offended in sentenced to stay at home occurs as another viable alternative for incarceration (Mays & Winfree, 2009). In the use if home confinement, electronic monitors are placed at the homes where the offended will be confide to. Apart from home confinements fines can be imposed on offenders instead of incarcerations. Overall, incarceration remains the most suitable form of sentencing, particularly for violent crimes. Even so, alternative to incarceration are important, as it reduces the costs of managing prisons.
Reference
Mays, G. L., & Winfree, L. T. (2009). Essentials of Corrections. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
