Prison overcrowding, high expenses associated with sustaining inmates, and the proportion of non-violent prisoners are the reasons why the correctional system practices releasing inmates early. However, the notion of “good time,” or reduced prison term, is often criticized. A pre-term release can discourage prisoners from genuinely regretting their decisions, pose a threat to society and lead to a comeback of released people to prison. Nevertheless, despite these drawbacks, “good time” should continue existing as it lowers governmental expenses on jails, helps handle prison overcrowding, and shows prisoners that they can be rewarded for good behavior.
Pre-term release of prisoners is advantageous as it helps address the issue of prison overcrowding. It gives a second chance to the prisoners who understand their mistakes. The early release allows them to return to society and everyday life. “Good time” reduces prison expenses, as sustaining people in prison is much more expensive than supervising them on parole. It sets a good example for other prisoners, showing that there is a reward for their excellent behavior. Parole gives hope to inmates and motivates them to improve.
Prisons exist to punish people who break the law, and the prisoners are expected to understand their mistakes and improve their behavior in the future. Releasing inmates early could affect prisoners’ mindsets adversely, as they can only think of reducing their prison term instead of contemplating their decisions and trying to change. Parolees can be dangerous for others, as around 67.8 percent of released inmates commit a new crime and get arrested within three years (Worall, 2019). People on parole face many difficulties finding a job because “employers are increasingly unwilling to hire convicted criminals” (Worall, 2019, p. 258). They can face unemployment and homelessness, which forces them to commit crimes and return to prison. Reducing prisoners’ sentences will not help address the issues because they are rooted in the correctional system. It should supervise parolees and protect them from possible danger to help ex-prisoners integrate with society.
A pre-term release can negatively affect prisoners’ mindsets, increase the risk of ex-inmates committing a crime and returning to prison, and be dangerous to society. To solve these problems, prisons can supervise and protect parolees, assisting them with returning to ordinary life. Despite its possible drawbacks, “good time” is a measure necessary for sustaining prisons, reducing expenses, improving the lives of ex-prisoners, and helping them integrate with society.
Reference
Worrall, J. L. (2019). Crime Control in America: What Works? (4th ed.). Pearson.