Why are they called "correctional" facilities when they're geared more toward punishment than correction?

Question

Stephanie-
I have no doubt that you have to deal with things that noone should have to, however I'm not trying to belittle you or minimize your contribution to society, I'm just saying that the fact that they're locked up like animals is most likely ta big part of why they are the way they are.You're absoulutely right in that I don't have to deal with the level of stress that you do, but at the same time neither of us have been on the opposite side of those bars. The label of prisoner stays with them for the rest of their lives whether or not they reoffend. I realize that the risk of recitivism is not to be taken lightly, but at the same time how can we expect prisoners to want to turn their lives around when, even if they do, they still get the same treatment?

Answer 1

Probably for the same reason that the "War Department" was changed to the "Defense Departmen". It sounds so much nicer. And it can be nicer, if it's sincere. But if not, it becomes insulting to our intelligence.

Answer 2

You must only know one prisoner. Convicts almost never go to prison on the first offense. They weren't born in a prison so they didn't learn all the behavior in custody. Many learn from an early age to 'work people', express their ideas in a way that gains others confidence, that's why many are called "con artists". If you could open the file for MOST convicts, you would see that they have been in the system several times; given chance after chance to mend their ways and get straight. So why do they keep going back to prison? Because they can't break the habit of getting what they want by talking others into helping them, giving them what they want; it gives them a sense of power over others.
Correction if they will take the lesson, learn and follow the rules of society or isolation for protection of the outside population. Can you think of another choice that will protect our children, elderly parents, all of us?

Answer 3

For the same reason we now have to be politically correct. In 1966 I was a prison guard. Now they are correctional officers. In the 1970's I was a deputy sheriff, I didn't have to call a criminal SIR. If a criminal wanted to fight ,he would get an A-- Kicking ,now the police have to restrain him. The prison system in this country was never about reform or correction, it was for punishment for breaking the law. Ask your self why we don't have Insane asylums ,we have rehabilitation centers. or care facilitates for the infirm.We used to have Boys reformatories now we have Juvenile detention facilities.The only thing that's changed is the name. The do gooders of this country are more worried about the Rights of the criminal ,the insane and the juvenile delinquent than yours or my rights. It also gives them a warm fuzzy feeling to think that the criminal is not going to prison ,they are going to a correctional facility. Where they will learn a trade and upon their release will be a useful member of society.

Answer 4

I challenge you to spend an 8 hour shift inside a correctional facility and see how easy it is to "rehabilitate" people who could care less about being a decent human being. All facilties have programs geared toward reducing recidivism however, there is only so much rehabilition that can occur when one doesnt want to be rehabilitated. As far as punishment, it is neccessary in a facility but you wouldnt know that unless you have actually been employed as a correctional officer. It is easy to make an assumption being on the outside but i assure you, life is different on the inside.

Answer 5

I wonder why they call them correctional too. They should be called Punishment Facilities and do as the name implies. People do not need to be corrected, they know what they did was wrong, so they need the punishment. I believe 100% that all stated should go back to the chain gang, working in the sweltering heat and back breaking work and mush for breakfast and beans for lunch and dinner. Sounds perfect to me. After all it is not a resort,and why should prisoner be better off then a lot of free people out here in the free world.
With their free education,cable tv, and free medical and dental and eye glasses.

Answer 6

The term correctional facilities implies that offenders are sent there to modify their behavior and live a 'correct' way of life as a productive, law abiding citizen. Having worked in a max secure facility for 23 years, I fail to see what you basis the punishment portion of your statement on.
If what these individuals receive is punishment, then they are doing better than most honest, hard-working tax payers! In reality, the only thing they DO NOT get is their freedom. Freedom does not come without responsibility. Most of them refuse to be accountable for their choices, much-less responsible for doing the right thing. They are proud to be convicts...many of them...it's their legacy.

Answer 7

If you think our facilities in the US are geared toward punishment, I guess you never actually researched this. Take a look at the rest of the world. We dump tons of good money after bad trying to rehabilitate scumbags here in the US, just so they can be paroled to go do it again.

Answer 8

Having friends in the corrections game, I can tell you that they focus on correction/rehabilitating not on punishment. I personally believe in the old term - prison and the implied punishment. If you go to prison you should be scared senseless every second of your stay.

Answer 9

Because,we must be politically correct...at all times, least we hurt someones feelings! And Punishment Facilities sounds ...just to harsh!

Answer 10

I depends on how one would look at things. You are right about punishment vs. corrections. Where does rehabilitation come into play? It should, you know if the criminal justice system wants to reduce recidivism!