prisons in america practical citizenship unit 5. security levels three major levels of prison...
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Prisons in America
Practical Citizenship
Unit 5
Security Levels Three major
levels of prison security:
–Maximum
–Medium
–Minimum
Maximum-Security Prison
Large institutions with several thousand prisoners
Have high fences, thick walls, and guard towers
Maximum-Security Prison Used for most dangerous
inmates who are a severe threat to public safety
Prisoners given little opportunity to associate with each other or have visits
Typically in cells for 23 hours/day
Prison Tour
Virtual Prison Tour – Florida
Medium-Security PrisonsLess serious
crimes (minor assaults, small thefts)
Secure dormitories for up to fifty prisoners
Medium-Security Prisons Prisoners have more freedom (use
library, exercise yard, etc.) Some inmates can work outside of the
prison under supervision of correctional officers
Prisons often have educational facilities
Minimum-Security Prisons
Prisoners who are the least risk to public safety
Prisoners can roam within the confines of the prison
Single perimeter fences, no armed guards
Super-Maximum Security Prisons Meant to hold most dangerous
prisoners First one was Alcatraz, island in
San Francisco Bay Prisoners kept in individual cells Furniture often made of cement,
can’t be moved
Poor Prison Conditions Biggest problem is usually overcrowding
– Can lead to discipline problems, unrest, unhealthy conditions, and violence
Many court cases say that poor conditions violate the 8th amendment, but overcrowding does not if the prison still meets “contemporary standards of decency”
Parole
Parole = the process of returning prisoners to society if they have displayed good behavior, and if they give their word to avoid further crime
Parole Board examines behaviors, determines release
Parole officer sees to it that parole conditions are met and that the parolee makes a successful transition to life on the outside
Staying Out of Prison
Many ex-convicts have difficulty adjusting to society and staying out of trouble
Imagine that you were just paroled and are trying to stay out of prison. Write a journal of your experiences in the first few weeks after release. Include the following incidents and explain how you dealt with them.
Journal Requirements
Include these items in the journal:– Finding a place to live– Relating to your family and loved ones– Searching for a job, going to a job interview– Running into an old friend from your criminal
days, one you are forbidden to associate with