Letter to the Editor - Incarceration

Incarceration is a term used to describe the confinement of a person in a prison, that is, the isolation of the individual from law-abiding citizens. In its simplest description a prison is a facility maintained for the confinement of convicted felons.

Criminal sentences fundamentally embrace four basic type of punishment. In descending order of severity they are: Incarceration, supervision, fine, and restitution. The death penalty is possible for certain crimes. Such as, atrocious murders, treason, rape, production/distribution and sale of illegal drugs.

The specific sentence imposed on an individual is quite often at the discretion of the judge. As such the sentence could vary from one judge to another. That is one of the many problems faced within every society throughout the world relative to dealing with criminals.

In recent years rising crime rates have authorities questioning the effectiveness of rehabilitation. A sad fact, the number of ex-prisoners who are arrested within three years of their release is estimated at about 60 percent. In fact, in the United States, several states have returned to mandatory sentencing laws. That is, the convict must serve a term of specified length.

Unfortunately, the total number of criminals, in every society of the world, is increasing at a tremendous rate. This is largely attributed to illegal drugs. The end result is overcrowding of correctional institutions. This almost always leads to high levels of tension and aggression and contributes to prison riots.

There is little doubt that conditions in most prisons are a threat to the safety of inmates and the prison staff. To make matters worse prisons guards are usually rural and under-qualified. They must face open hostility of inmates that are often products of the urban ghetto environments.

To further compound the "picture" the cost of maintaining prisons is staggering. This does depend to some degree on the type of prison and its location. And the cost to build new prisons is not a pretty picture, especially here in the Philippines. Other than the execution of all prisoners, there are some viable alternatives.

It is obvious that there must be maximum-security prisons to house the hardcore type criminal and those that have been sentenced to death or life imprisonment. Perhaps that type of prisons could be modeled after those in Turkey. Beyond that there could be medium to minimum level security institutions. Those would be for those criminals that are considered less dangerous to society. These are the individuals that we try to change via work programs, education, etc.

First-time youthful offenders convicted of a nonviolent crime would be incarcerated in a minimum level security institution. They would undergo a US Marine boot camp type training, be part of work program to perhaps learn a trade and receive an education while incarcerated. The US Marine boot camp type training has been quite successful with youthful offenders in the United States. This also keeps these young individuals isolated from the hardcore criminal.

As for a minimum-security facility, why not Nipa type housing units, barbwire fence (electrified), lighting and armed guards with dogs. Much like a WWII prisoner of war camp without torture chambers. The prisoners could even learn how to grow and cook a lot of their own food. Of course the facility would have to be located in a remote area - all prisons should be.

Long term, we really need to address population growth, education and employment opportunities. And we need to adjust our attitudes, especially the attitudes of our political leaders.

Cliff Sheppard
BF Homes
Abuno, Pajac
Fifth Street, Block 5, Lot 24
Lapu-Lapu City 6015
Mactan Cebu