Punishment for punishment's sake is antiquated. We live in a society that strives to have sentencing that fits the crime and a prison and probation system which helps to educate and rehabilitate.
Or do we?
Certainly, until recently, this was the case although what impact the financial cuts imposed on the Criminal Justice System will have on the ability to deliver programmes that change lives is yet to be seen. The response to these cuts will be highly significant, the motivation behind the changes to be made, key? If it involves sending less people to prison, then it should be because it is morally and practically the right thing to do and not because of financial limitations. If it involves sending people to prison, let it be that incarceration itself is the punishment and their time in prison is an opportunity to initiate and pursue personal change.
As individuals, we should be concerned by the levels of incarceration in this country. We know that incarcerating more people for longer sentences neither helps society nor the individual, per se. What is essential is the work towards accepting responsibility for ones actions, ‘education’ and rehabilitation. We need to encourage people, to engage with offenders, particularly with the young, so they don’t turn away from or even against society. We need to work with our young people, to help them recognise their strengths and the value they have in our society. For many, as they have been brought up in a culture that demonstrates individualistic greed and self satisfaction, this will require tolerance and patience.
Again and again it has been shown that reoffending is reduced when the key elements of accommodation, family support and employment are in place. However, more than this, we need to facilitate the building of the individual’s self-belief, self-esteem and self-worth prior to release or the completion of their probation period.
Of course, it is important to respect the hurt experienced by the victim and we need to ensure that justice has been served. Equally, we need to recognise that the feelings of anger and revenge, however understandable, serve only to further dislocate our ability to relate to one another as human beings, as brothers. Development of self-esteem and ensuring that justice is done are not mutually exclusive!
At a time when financial restraint is undoubtedly a contributing factor in setting a context for the opportunities offered to offenders, we need to be very clear, very focussed, and very determined to ensure that the quality of expression and interactions between staff and those with whom they work, is not compromised. If frequency and duration of interaction has to be reduced, let not the quality correspondingly suffer.
The example we set, in our every interaction, can be significant in demonstrating to a young person that they are respected, appreciated, and valued. This can be something as simple as knocking on a cell door before entering, enquiring after their well-being in times of crisis or going that extra mile in order to ensure that they receive the appropriate advice, training, or opportunities.
Is it too great a step to consider that the purpose of our prisons could be perceived as places in which to heal? If so, rehabilitation and reintegration would naturally follow.
