Introduction
Logically, as the number of inmates increases in every nation, more correctional facilities are required so as to avoid overcrowding as well as to provide quality corrective measures. Therefore there is a need for local, state, and federal governments to unite and deliberate the way forward. This is because; correctional institutions exist at three levels of the government (Levinson, 2002). However, it has been noted that Correctional facilities like prisons have been neglected over the years. An increase in the number of prisons brings about the need for more competent and up to the task administrators and correctional officers. It is therefore in this spirit that the local, state, and federal governments should join hands to facilitate a holistic well being of the inmates; ensure proper programs are in place to instill quality discipline, and equip them with life skills which may benefit them. Therefore, this paper seeks to demonstrate how local, state, and federal governments cooperate on the issue of correctional facilities.
Main Body
It is the prerogative role of the federal government to protect its nation from any kind of aggression both internal and external. Any kind of crime committed is an aggression against the laws of the land. Conversely, it is the mandate of the state officials to investigate all crimes committed, prosecution of the perpetrators, and deliberating on the appropriate punishment for those found guilty. The actual punishment is carried by the local government at the lower level as stipulated in the law.
The increasing number of crimes has caused overcrowding in prisons, hence the need for expansion, renovation, or building of new facilities.Since it is the federal governments’ responsibilities of funding the state projects, money is therefore released and managed by the state government for the well being of the inmates. Accordingly, the local government provides the place where these facilities are built in case of a new construction, as well as the actual building.
When a correctional facility is put in place, the local, state, and federal governments come together with their respective contributions so as to render quality management. This is realized by providing the general management of the facilities such as providing training of the personnel and their wages, quality programs for the inmates, food, and security among many others. Albeit the establishment of the facilities and appropriate management, the government must habitually inspect them so that they may remain in order to give the inmates the services they are in need of. The government of America is known in carrying of regular scrutiny on her prisons. For instance, since the year 1850, the federal government is known to carry annual census on all the correctional facilities that are under both state and local governments. (G, Maxfield, R, &, Babbie, 2011).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is an obligatory role of the three levels of the government to put in place, maintain, and upgrade all correctional facilities so as to respond to the intensifying needs of the inmates. The harmony that is demonstrated by the three levels of governments namely; Federal, State, and Local should as well be reflected in the correctional facilities in their respective levels. Prison facilities should be in such a way that they are not discriminatory to any gender, race or people with special need such as those with varied deformities.
Reference List
Levinson, D. (2002). Encyclopedia of crime and punishment (Vol.1). London EC2A4PU: SAGE 2002.
Michael, G., Maxfield, Earl, R., & Babbie. (2010). Research methods of criminal justice and criminology (Ed.). USA: Cengage learning.