NCJ Number
56433
Date Published
1979
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILMSTRIP PROGRAM WITH A DISCUSSION GUIDE IS DIRECTED AT JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL AUDIENCES AND CIVIC GROUPS AND DISCUSSES THE FAILURE OF THE PENAL SYSTEM TO REHABILITATE OFFENDERS.
Abstract
THE FILM, WHICH INCLUDES INTERVIEWS WITH A CONNECTICUT PRISON WARDEN AND THE COMMISSIONER OF THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, DISCUSSES THE CUSTODY AND PUNISHMENT ASPECT OF PRISONS AS OPPOSED TO REHABILITATION AND TREATMENT. THE WARDEN AND THE COMMISSIONER EMPHASIZE THE FACT THAT ALTHOUGH THERE ARE REHABILITATIVE PROGRAMS IN THEIR PRISONS, THEIR MAJOR ROLE IS CUSTODY. THE POINT IS MADE THAT REHABILITATION IS AN UNREALISTIC GOAL. AN ESTIMATED 40 PERCENT OF ALL PRISONERS CONTINUE WITH A LIFE OF CRIME AFTER RELEASE, AND THE REMAINING 60 PERCENT ARE GENERALLY PERSONS WHO COMMIT A CRIME OF PASSION, OLDER PERSONS WHO ARE TIRED OF OFFENDING AND OF BEING INCARCERATED, OR PERSONS WHO COMMIT A CRIME DUE TO EMOTIONAL CRISES IN THEIR LIVES. INMATES OFTEN USE PROGRAMS AS DEVICES TO BUILD UP FAVOR WITH PAROLE BOARDS AND NEVER USE THE SKILLS OR INFORMATION THEY ACQUIRE. THE INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARD PRISON AND CRIMINALS IS ALSO DISCUSSED--IN TIMES OF ECONOMIC INSTABILITY, PRISON FUNDS ARE LIKELY TO BE CUT; PRISONS MUST BE CAREFUL TO EMPHASIZE THEIR PUNITIVE ROLE TO SATISFY THE PUBLIC'S NEED FOR REVENGE, AND THE LACK OF COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONS IS DUE LARGELY TO PUBLIC DISTASTE FOR SUCH AGENCIES IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS. (DAG)