Substance Abuse In Prison

Words: 673
Pages: 3

Within the borders of the United States of America, there lies another nation invisible to the public eye. Behind thick, solid concrete and barbed wire contain a nation filled with gangs, intimidation, violence, and brute force. Numerous weapons invade the economy as well as the presence of paranoia and overcrowding amongst the community. Drugs are one of the focal points of abuse as well as distribution here. Each of these are aspects of life within an American prison.
America’s prisons were intended to teach criminals a lesson. However, it appears that we aren’t securing our streets and instead throwing gas on the fire. Criminals are the people society fears most. Every day, thousands of them are incarcerated. Inside the world of American prisons, anything could happen on any
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These often result into dangerous situations and even more importantly serious injury. A correctional officer’s safety may be at an even greater risk because they are the median in conflicts. They are also responsible for the lives and actions of all offenders and have the sole duty of keeping the prison contained. Correctional officers are the last line of defense in regards to prison when considering protection. This is because correctional officers are the only obstacle between the convicts and the public. Public safety is always the number one priority.
A few decades ago America felt the need to become tougher on crime by using actions of mandatory sentencing and mass incarceration. Though United States is home to only five percent of the world’s population, the United States holds right just twenty five percent of the world’s inmates. It is often labeled as “an entire nation behind bars.” It is a prison nation that is now currently facing a crisis. Filled beyond capacity, overflowing with drugs, mental illness, and violence, there is a struggle to cope with too many repeat