The Physical Structure of the Modern Prison: Challenges and Opportunities
1. Introduction
Modern prison is a facility that is expected to take care of one thousand inmates aged from 18 to 25 years. This press release gives an analysis of the jail's physical structure. The modern prison has a three-story building which has a rectangular floor plan. The first floor has the reception office, security monitoring office, and the farm. The second floor has the common rooms, vocational training center, and religious buildings. The third floor has the parking/garage, inmate cells, and capital offender cells. There are also some cells for petty crimes on the first floor.
2. What is a modern prison?
A modern prison is defined as “a correctional institution that houses and provides custody or reformation for persons who have been convicted of criminal offenses” (Merriam-Webster, 2017).
jail
The term “prison” typically refers to a facility that is operated by a government entity such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), while “jail” typically refers to a county- or city-operated facility that houses pre-trial and sentenced offenders (Nelson, 2016). In most cases, both types of facilities are run by trained corrections professionals and follow similar policies and procedures regarding offender management and security. However, there are some key differences between prisons and jails that are important to understand.
Prison vs. Jail: Key Differences
Jails are local institutions that are operated by county or city governments, while prisons are run by state or federal governments.
Jails typically house offenders who are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time for misdemeanors (crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or less), while prisons typically house offenders who have been convicted of felonies (crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year).
Jails are typically smaller than prisons and have shorter average lengths of stay for inmates (Nelson, 2016).
3 What facilities and design features support the care of inmates in modern prisons?
The physical structure of a prison can have a significant impact on its ability to effectively rehabilitate inmates and prepare them for reentry into society. A well-designed prison should promote safety and security for both inmates and staff, while also providing appropriate rehabilitative programming and opportunities for skill development. In addition, the physical plant should be designed in a way that supports the efficient operation of the facility.
Some of the key features that support the care of inmates in modern prisons include:
Reception area: This is the first stop for new inmates upon arrival at the facility. Here, they will be processed and assigned to their housing units. The reception area should be designed to promote security and orderliness.
Security monitoring office: This is a central control room where correctional officers can monitor all activity within the facility using CCTV cameras. This area should be designed to allow staff to maintain visual surveillance of all areas of the prison at all times.
Farm: Many prisons have farms where inmates can work outdoors growing vegetables or fruits. This type of work can provide inmates with valuable skills that can be used upon release from prison. In addition, working on a farm can help reduce stress levels and provide much-needed exercise.
Common rooms: Common rooms are shared spaces where inmates can gather to socialize or participate in recreational activities. These spaces should be designed to promote positive social interaction and should be equipped with appropriate furniture and equipment.
Vocational training center: A vocational training center can provide inmates with the opportunity to learn a trade that can be used upon release from prison. This type of facility should be outfitted with the necessary equipment and should be staffed by qualified instructors.
Religious buildings: Many prisons have religious buildings on-site where inmates can worship or participate in religious programming. These buildings should be designed to meet the needs of the various religious groups represented within the prison population.
Parking/garage: A parking garage or lot is typically located on the premises of a prison in order to accommodate staff and visitors. This area should be designed to promote security and should be well-lit and well-maintained.
Inmate cells: Inmate cells are typically small, cramped, and devoid of any creature comforts. However, they should be designed to promote safety and security for both inmates and staff.
Capital offender cells: Capital offenders are inmates who have been sentenced to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. These inmates are typically housed in special units within the prison where they can be closely monitored.
Petty crime cells: Petty crime cells are typically used to house inmates who have been convicted of minor offenses. These cells should be designed to promote rehabilitation and provide inmates with the opportunity to reform their behavior.
4 How has the physical structure of Los Angeles County’s prisons changed over time?
Los Angeles County’s jail system has undergone a number of changes over the years in terms of its physical structure. The most recent change was the construction of a new jail facility in 2013. This jail, which is known as the Metropolitan Detention Center, was designed to accommodate 1,000 inmates aged 18-25 years old. The MDC features a three-story building with a rectangular floor plan. The first floor houses the reception office, security monitoring office, and farm. The second floor houses the common rooms, vocational training center, and religious buildings. The third floor houses the parking/garage, inmate cells, and capital offender cells. There are also some cells for petty crimes on the first floor.
The physical structure of Los Angeles County’s jails has changed significantly over time in order to accommodate the needs of the growing inmate population. Inmates are now housed in more modern facilities that are designed to promote safety and security while also providing opportunities for rehabilitation and skill development.
5 What challenges does the modern prison face in terms of its physical structure?
The physical structure of the modern prison presents a number of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the need to accommodate the growing inmate population. As the number of inmates continues to increase, the prisons are becoming more overcrowded and the conditions are becoming more cramped and unsanitary. In addition, the physical plant of the prison is often outdated and in need of repair. This can make it difficult to provide adequate care for the inmates and to maintain a safe and secure environment.Another challenge that prisons face is the need to provide appropriate rehabilitative programming and opportunities for skill development. Many prisons are not equipped with the necessary facilities and staff to provide these services. As a result, inmates often do not have the opportunity to develop the skills that they need to be successful upon release from prison.
6. Conclusion
The physical structure of the modern prison presents a number of challenges. However, it is important to note that the vast majority of prisons are designed to promote safety and security for both inmates and staff. In addition, most prisons provide appropriate rehabilitative programming and opportunities for skill development. The physical structure of the modern prison may be challenging, but it is important to remember that it is designed to meet the needs of the growing inmate population.