Most states have segregated units for their most dangerous offenders. These units are variously called administration segregation (the most common), long-term administration segregation, closed maximum security, or intensive management units. Despite differing names for these units, most …show more content…
The article suggests that future studies should examine prison administrators’ application of the admission criteria for super-max facility inmates, and other functions of these facilities.
VI. People across the country commit crime every day. In my opinion, crime is inevitable. Researchers have several theories as to why people commit crime, and in certain cases there is no clear reason. But how does the court system determine whether a specific crime justifies a prison sentence in a super-max facility? Would it be beneficial for universal policies to exist for these facilities? There is tremendous controversy over the concept of super-max prisons, and many people believe super-max confinement to be “cruel and unusual …show more content…
The main function of these highly secure facilities is to isolate the violent and disruptive inmates. Therefore, it is critical that these facilities have universal policies and admission criteria in place. Many of these facilities do not have rehabilitation programs for inmates due to the extremely isolated living conditions, and unfortunately for inmates, retribution becomes a way of life. I believe the creation and implementation of rehabilitation programs to help these high-risk prisoners adjust to the living conditions in a super-max facility would reduce riotous outbreaks and violent behavior. Because these living conditions are so restrictive, inmates have even reported to have developed mental illnesses caused by long-term solitary confinement and lack of human contact in super-max prisons. The afore-mentioned is one of the main reasons these facilities are so closely scrutinized by the public. Many people believe that this form of imprisonment violates constitutional rights, especially that of the Eighth Amendment of “cruel and unusual punishment”.
Super-maxes also help offset the over-population of lower security prisons. When prisons are over-crowded and too many offenders are housed together, it creates chaos and presents opportunities for inmates to engage in riotous and violent behavior. These highly secure correctional facilities