NCJ Number
161445
Journal
Justice Report Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: (1996) Pages: 13-14
Date Published
1996
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This is a description, from an inmate's perspective, of the problems resulting from penitentiary overcrowding, and suggestions for improvements.
Abstract
The two basic consequences of penitentiary overcrowding are double-bunking and an absence of decision-making when decisions are required. Overcrowding has had a significant impact on the ability of Canada's Correctional Service to provide a healthy, humane, and safe environment for both prison inmates and staff. Tensions created by overcrowding lead to adjustment and behavior problems, violent encounters among inmates, and increased risk of assaults on staff. The author suggests the establishment of a consultation committee to bring together representatives from various organizations throughout the criminal justice system, penitentiary wardens, half-way house operators, inmates and ex-inmates, and volunteers. This group would search for ways to prevent the following, among other occurrences: (1) return to prison of inmates charged with petty offenses; (2) treatment of inmates with no consideration of their individuality and specific needs; and (3) subjecting inmates to arbitrary decisions under the guise of discretionary power.