Easing the Dilemma of Overcrowded Prisons

Overcrowded prisons are everywhere in the United States with a new influx of prisoners arriving everyday. The overcrowding causes inhumane conditions, which initiates stress and contributes to behaviors such as aggression and depression. Prisoners do not get ample space or food to satisfy their personal needs and prisons are too impacted to provide adequate rehabilitation or job training programs. In addition to the problems overcrowding encompasses on prisoners, it also creates a predicament for correctional officers who are many times understaffed resulting in enhanced danger. Overcrowding impacts the community outside of the prison walls as well by eating up much of our tax dollars. Prison overcrowding appears to be a problem without a clear solution, but one American county is productively working to ease the dilemma.

In Berks County Pennsylvania, Warden George A. Wagner is making recommendations to county judges on prisoners who should be released early for exemplary behavior. Wagner started his earned-time program in 1993. A new law, which takes effect November 25, provides rules under which prisons must implement programs similar to Wagner’s. Wagner has been releasing about a dozen inmates per month prior to their release date. “Wagner said his program gives inmates an incentive to behave in jail while helping to reduce overcrowding.”
(http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=111331)

The new law in Pennsylvania would allow state prisons to decrease incarceration time for nonviolent offenders who finish treatment programs. “We found that what is driving criminal behavior is underlying substance abuse problems, “said Susan McNaughton, state prison spokeswoman. “If we can provide them with skills, it is less likely they will re-offend.
( http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=111331 )

Although this is clearly not the total solution to fixing the epidemic of overcrowded prisons in America, it is a start. Unconventional programs such as Wagner’s need to be utilized throughout America’s prisons. Wagner is releasing about 12 prisoners early each month. If every American prison followed this example, overcrowding could be reduced significantly. Programs for non-violent offenders in which they can decrease their sentence through good behavior and concluding their treatment program, should be initiated throughout America. A giant step would be taken in alleviating the overcrowding of our prisons if all of America were to follow in the footsteps of Berks County, Pennsylvania.