Are prisons efficient? There are many arguments for and against this question, which is a hotly debated topic. No, prisons are inefficient.
They fail at rehabilitating prisoners and stopping them from recommitting a crime. Why? Prisons have flaws such as overcrowded prisons, the risk of the mental health degradation of its prisoners, the risk of violence inside, and inefficiency in rehabilitating prisoners.
These are some flaws that plague prisons globally. This brings us to the question – do Philippine prisons have the same flaws?
Read on.
Prison flaws
1.Overcrowding
Philippine prisons contain 180,826 prisoners as of September 2022. For reference, 162 people out of 100,000 are in jail. Or, for another point of reference, that number is close to half of Iceland’s population, which sits at 390,00 people.
Meanwhile, the maximum capacity of prisons is only 45,730, meaning the prison system is close to 400% capacity. So cells meant for six people max now have to cram around 16-18 more people.
Overcrowding can affect the living conditions of prisoners, for example, 12 prisoners are packed into cells meant for 6 reducing the normal space by half. This could also lead to mental health issues as it wouldn’t be nice living in such cramped living conditions.
2. Mental health degradation
But why is mental health important? Well, mental health can influence how we think, feel, and act. Mental health is important throughout all stages of life. But how do prisons affect the health of prisoners? Many factors can cause this, such as separation from loved ones, as this can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The physical environment can also worsen mental health. The dull concrete walls and lack of overall stimulation can worsen mental health. The environment creates boredom for the prisoners, which can lead to stress.
Poor mental health can lead to many bad things such as depression, substance abuse, or even suicide.
3. Violence within prisons
In 2018, prison violence was around 344 per 100,000 people in America. Around 95% of prisoners are associated with a gang, and gangs tend to go to war, potentially harming prisoners. In addition, many violent criminals end up in prison, which could contribute to prison violence.
Now after hearing about all these negative traits of prisons, let’s look at some good prisons from other countries so we may have an idea on how to better the prison system
Examples of good prisons
There are actually some countries out there with effective prisons that actually rehabilitate prisoners and help them. These countries are Finland and Norway, and I will discuss why their prisons are so effective.
Countries
Finland
Norway
Recidivism rate
31%
20%
Easier reintegration into society.
The privilege to learn and work while in prison.
Inmates are required to participate in a job or activity.
Humane treatment
Their punishment for their crimes is the loss of their freedom.
Similarly, their punishment for prisoners is the loss of freedom.
Finland
Finland is known to have some of the most successful prisons in the world. This can be seen in multiple aspects.
For example, their recidivism rate is among the world’s lowest, hovering at around 31%. This means fewer people return to prison, proving the effectiveness of their prison system.
Another positive about Finland’s prisons is that prisoners have an easier time reintegrating into society. Prisoners in their prisons can learn things and work while in prison and thus have an easier time reintegrating. They’ll have work experience, and since most prisoners come out well, they won’t be discriminated against as much in job hiring. These benefits give them a second chance in real life.
A final positive is that their prisons are very humane. Prisoners are treated well and get many amenities that ordinary people get, albeit their freedom is limited. This benefits mental health and helps them feel like normal human beings.
Norway
Norway’s prisons are similar to Finland’s in many aspects.
One positive of Norway’s prisons is that they have one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world, hovering at 20%. This also goes to show how effective their prison strategy of rehabilitation is.
Another great thing about their prisons is that they help prisoners get back into society without anything holding them back. Inmates are required to have either a job or an activity they participate in. This eliminates any idleness and can offer them valuable job experience.
Finally, their prisons are amongst the most humane in the world. They offer prisoners basic amenities that ordinary people get at the cost of their freedom. That is the price they pay for their crimes.
Recommendations
Now using the excellent examples set by Norway and Finland, I shall provide recommendations for improving the prison system of the Philippines.
Rehabilitation facilities
The Philippines has only three rehab centers for prisoners, and it’s only for drugs. We should build facilities that can help in various things, such as helping drug addicts, teaching prisoners, or letting prisoners work at jobs. We could see a drop in our recidivism rate and prison population.
Prison overcrowding
We have another problem to tackle, and that’s overcrowding. We should build prisons for now because it’s complicated and expensive enough to try and expand existing ones. If rehabilitation facilities are planned to be built, these new prisons could be easily turned into rehabilitation prisons.
Prison violence
Prison violence is a significant issue in prisons that is inevitable. Violent criminals do not help in stopping this issue. That’s I believe that prisons shouldn’t be eliminated entirely. Prisons should be kept for the violent and the unredeemable. Violent prisoners can be transferred to rehabilitation prisons if they show good behavior. Still, those who don’t will spend all their time in a regular prison.
Eliminating gangs in prisons could also help, as gang-related activities tend to be related to most prison-related violence. Getting rid of prison gangs may prevent many bloody incidents, such as gang wars.
Epilogue
Throughout this essay, I have made prisons look like terrible places and that society should be rid of them completely; however, that is entirely not the case. Prisons are necessary but inefficient at reducing crime. Regular prisons are needed for the worst of society as punishment. Still, more minor criminals should be given better living conditions and rehabilitation. Perhaps this line by Stuart Turton describes why prisons are inefficient at rehabilitation best.
“…bars can’t build better men, and misery can only break what goodness remains.”
― Stuart Turton, The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
About the Author
Joshua Medalla is an advanced level BUBOTS Writing Academy student.
Likes: Pizza, video games, cats and dogs, stories, comics, and malls.
Dislikes: A lot of vegetables, most reptiles and insects, and spicy food.