The objective of prisons is mainly to ensure the public’s safety, reform an offender and upon the completion of their sentence, reintegrate them back in the society. According to Cole, Smith, and DeJong (2015), the duration of one’s sentence varies depending on the type of offense, an individual’s record, as well as other considerations. In order to achieve the underlying aim of the prison structure, it is imperative for offenders to serve their sentences in appropriate prisons to facilitate behavior change. In this regard, as per the case study presented, Austin is best suited for minimum, medium, and open type of prison as expounded further below:
Having being found guilty of drug possession in the form of marijuana as well as his status as a first-time offender means that the judge is most likely to be lenient with him. In this case, a minimum security prison, also referred to as a Federal Prison Camp (FPC), is suitable in Austin’s case. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (n.d), the security available in minimum prisons is not as tight as that in maximum security prisons. These prisons house offenders who are believed to be less dangerous and also less likely to escape. As such, these prisons are characterized by low staff-inmate ratio as well as limited or in some cases, no perimeter fencing. Since Austin is a first-time offender, he is well-suited to be rehabilitated in such an institution.
Additionally, Austin could also be housed in a medium security prison. In this regard, the security in this environment is higher than compared to minimum security prisons. Also, as opposed to the dormitory-style structure adopted in minimum security prisons, this type adopts a cell structure to house inmates. The staff-to-inmate ratio is also higher and is characterized by perimeter walls to discourage any prison escapes. Since Austin is convicted of a minor drug charge, he is best placed in such an environment that will encourage a therapeutic assessment of his life and his future course in life to encourage positive behavior.
Lastly, the other prison type suited for Austin is that of an open prison. In this regard, this option is similar to that of a minimum security prison and is the least restrictive of all prison classifications. As such, individuals are, in essence, free, as they can leave the prison’s compound and only report back for their treatment and counseling. This arrangement suits individuals who are also not likely to escape. This environment would suit Austin, as his offense is a mistake he committed for lack of self-realization, a situation mostly common among the youth. Therefore, having a supportive environment that will light the path in his life will create a profound effect on Austin and his life decisions positively.
References
Cole, G., Smith, C., & DeJong, C. (2015). Criminal justice in America. New York: CengageBrain.
Federal Bureau of Prisons (n.d). About our facilities. Retrieved from https://www.bop.gov/about/facilities/federal_prisons.jsp
