The paper will compare and contrast the custodial model of incarceration of the United States (U.S.) and the rehabilitation model of the United Kingdom (UK). Therefore, I will recommend which of these models is best suited to reduce the rate of recidivism.
Similarities
These models are similar in a couple of ways. First, both of them allow the correspondence or visitation of inmates in prison facilities (Hjalmarsson et al. 2011). Inmates are, therefore, free to communicate with their family members and friends through the phone or visits. Moreover, the incarceration and rehabilitation models offer medical services to inmates. These services include physical, psychological, and psychiatric care. Additionally, both of them allow inmates to partake freely in their religious practices. Finally, these models incorporate drug and rehabilitation programs into the prison setup. These programs include smoking and drinking cessation programs, counseling, and education (Hjalmarsson et al. 2011).
Differences
Numerous differences exist between these two models. First, the incarceration model of the U.S. is primarily geared towards punishing prisoners either physically or mentally. On the contrary, the rehabilitation model of the UK is mainly focused on reforming inmates and minimizing recidivism. As such, the rehabilitation model of the UK offers compulsory amenities such as education of detainees, vocational training, and work opportunities. These privileges are either optional or non-existent in the incarceration model. Moreover, the rehabilitation model of the UK offers furloughs and financial assistance to inmates, as opposed to the incarceration model of the U.S.
Rate of Recidivism
Personally, I feel that the rehabilitation model of the UK is more efficient at reducing the rate of recidivism among prisoners. This viewpoint is primarily supported by the grim statistics of the incarceration model of the U.S. Approximately 68% of prisoners in the U.S. reoffended within a period of three years following release from prison. In most cases, this recidivism is characterized by more violent or serious offenses. I think the failure of incarceration lies in its inability to meaningfully change the behavior of an inmate. Numerous research shows that children who are more severely punishment tend to become more violent in adulthood. I think the same principle applies to adults, particularly those in prison.
I believe that the main essence of a prison should be to restrain violent individuals while at the same time, helping them to reform their characters. This means that when they go back to their communities, they are more constructive individuals instead of offenders. The rehabilitation model of the UK has effectively reduced the rate of recidivism to 26.7% (Hjalmarsson et al. 2011). This model saves the UK approximately £7.2 million annually on re-incarcerating and re-sentencing (Hjalmarsson et al. 2011). Therefore, apart from reducing the rate of recidivism, the rehabilitation model also directs funds to other meaningful projects.
Adoption of Rehabilitation
I think it will be profoundly beneficial for the U.S. to scrap off its incarceration program and adopt the rehabilitation model of the UK. Every prison in the U.S. should be demolished and replaced with enclosed residential-like facilities. Instead of focusing on punishment, these facilities would be focused on providing comprehensive therapeutic services to its residents. The services would range from psychotherapy, substance abuse treatment, and medical care (Hjalmarsson et al. 2011). These therapeutic services would then be coupled with a diverse form of training programs. It has been shown that getting a college degree while in prison is one of the surest ways to eliminating recidivism. Over time, these rehabilitation facilities will effectively prevent recidivism and make America a better place to stay.
References
Hjalmarsson, R., Holmlund, H., & Lindquist, M. (2011). The Effect of Education on Criminal Convictions and Incarceration: Causal Evidence from Micro-Data. Centre for Economic Policy Research Discussion Paper 8646.
Langan, P., & Levin, D. (2014). Recidivism of Prisoners Released in 2012. Washington D.C: Department of Justice.
