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Don’t Try to Break Out of a Maximum Security Prison!

Don't Try to Break Out of a Maximum Security Prison!

The scope of the United States’ legal system is incredibly expansive; every felony carries a different punishment in a coordinating prison or rehabilitation center. As a result of the legal system’s enormous breadth, the rehabilitation system is diversified to house the varying inmates based on the severity of crime committed. The different facilities that house inmates vary by security level; a maximum security prison for example, is the institution that holds the most dangerous inmates, or those individuals convicted of the most severe offenses such as murder or rape.
Each facility’s classification is categorized based on the security used to run the prison. Security measures, the administration of inmates, the types of housing, and the tactics or weapons used by corrections officers will greatly vary depending on the classification of the facility. The Bureau of Prisons, a federal government program, uses a 1 to 5 numbered scale to classify each security level. 
A maximum security prison falls under the level 5 category or the most secure, while a minimum security prison is accordingly labeled as level 1. In a maximum security prison all prisoners have individual cells that possess sliding doors controlled from a remote control station. Prisoners within a maximum security prison are only allowed out of their cell for one hour a day; when out of their cells, the prisoners must remain the cell block or an exterior cage. The prisoners are constantly monitored by armed guards, and interaction between the prison communities is rare.
Within category 5 exists a level more secure than the maximum security prison. A super max prison facility provides the highest level of prison security. A super max prison holds those considered the most dangerous individuals; this includes inmates who have committed murders, gang violence, assaults, rapes, or other serious violations. 
Inmates in a super max prison are kept under constant surveillance, in a facility that is secluded or heavily guarded by a natural confinement and armed officers. As a result of the dangerous inmates within a super max prison, the resources used to maintain order and discipline must be expansive. 

How Federal Prisons Function in the US

How Federal Prisons Function in the US

A federal prison
is a form of correctional facility in the United States, which is solely run by
the federal government. Correctional facilities or prisons can be run by state,
county or local authorities; as a result of its advanced and extended
resources, a federal prison is able to maximize security precautions and enable
the correctional facility to harbor the most dangerous or unsafe criminals.
That being said, federal prisons in the United States possess varying levels of
security, and in many cases, simply harbor those individuals who commit white
collar, or non-violent crimes.

As of 2008, the Federal Bureau of Prisons oversaw and maintained over 105
federal prisons. As stated before, the levels of security vary; in total the
federal prisons housed over 195,000 inmates, or 9% of the total prison
population of the United States. Similar to the security levels, prison
sentences within a federal prison will vary. A federal prison will house those
individuals who are convicted of any federal crime, however, individuals may
also be transported there if their original was overcrowded, or an increase in
security is needed.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons has categorized federal prisons into five
distinct security levels. A minimum security facility contains a limited amount
of the 4th category, a low security Federal Correction Institution contains
double-fenced perimeters, and inmates live in cubicle or dormitory housing. A
medium security federal prison is classified to hold medium-security inmates. A
medium security federal prison has strengthened perimeters, which consist of
double fences and electronic detection systems. Although a medium security has
the label “medium” it is typically considered a high-security
facilities. These facilities, which comprise the remaining classifications, are
highly secured with reinforced fences, and walls. 

Prisons Just For Women

Prisons Just For Women

Like the institution for men, a female prison houses those individuals found guilty of committing a crime or act that is regarded as unlawful and demonstrative towards society. Other than the gender of the population, there is no fundamental difference a female prison and a male correctional facility. To many a surprise, women represent the fastest growing population in the American prison system. 
Between 1980 and 1998 the female prison population increased at an overwhelming 313%. By the end of 2000, women account for approximately 7.5% of the total prison population. Women in prison are disproportionately of colors: African American women comprise roughly 46% of the female prison population, white women comprise 32%, and Hispanic Women comprise 22%.
The primary differences found between male prisons and female prisons arise simply due to the psychological and personalities of the two genders. Studies have shown that women in prison are more likely to participate in therapy groups or workshops that aid in solving their problems or to help with pinpointing the reasons for their actions. 
A female prison is typically comprised of poor women–the majority of women prisoners (55%) and women in jail (75%) were unemployed at the time of their incarceration. Furthermore, when a woman goes to prison her family, if she has one, becomes devastated. An estimated 75% of women incarcerated in state prisons have children under the age of 18 years old. 
Because there are so few women correctional facilities it is likely that an incarcerated woman is move farther away from her home than the average male prisoner. This increased distance further strains the family; the increased distance places a toll on the woman’s family during visitation days. In addition, women also experience worse medical care than men. 
Routine gynecological care, such as breast exams, pap smears, and mammograms are exceedingly rare in female prisons. The most common causes of female incarceration are domestic violence, narcotics use, narcotics possession, and burglary. 

Understanding Probation

Understanding Probation

Probation is a type of sentence that is imposed upon individuals who are convicted of violating the law. Generally, this sentence is given as an alternative to incarceration. In most instances, an individual who is placed on probation will not be required to serve any time in prison, assuming that he/she does not violate the conditions of his/her probation.
However, there are some cases in which an individual will begin his/her sentence and then be offered probation. Parole is considered to be an appropriate sentence for many misdemeanor crimes and some felony crimes. In it important to note that probation is not a sentence given to individuals who have committed severe felonies, such forcible rape, sexual crimes against children, or murder, as well as numerous other felony offenses.
When an individual is placed on probation, his/her behavior and activities will be supervised for an extended period of time. Unlike with a prison sentence, a criminal of probation will be required to work and support him/herself, however, his actions will be monitored. He/she will be assigned an experienced probation officer, who will manage and oversee his/her case.
An offender will be required to report to his/her probation officer regularly. In addition, an individual will be required to follow regulations outlined by the court, which will prohibit him/her from consuming alcohol or drugs, or leaving his/her jurisdiction. Each state maintains a probation department, and there is also a federal probation department, which is concerned with the supervision of federally convicted offenders. 

Who is a Probation Office?

Who is a Probation Office?

A probation office, or a probation department accommodates many different types of employees in a variety of different fields, and is not limited to housing probation officers. A probation department is responsible for carrying out a range of functions within the criminal justice system. For example, in addition to supervising convicts who have been released from prison, the professionals employed within a probation department seek to uphold public safety by incarcerating offenders. 
A probation office provides courts with sanction recommendations and helps to enforce any orders produced by the court. The probation department also plays an important role in the operation of correctional facilities. People who are employed within a probation department dedicate their time to assisting victims and ensuring the justice is obtained. This department wishes to guarantee that victims have a strong voice within the justice system.
In general, probation departments seek to strengthen communities by reducing crime and improving safety. They collaborate closely with law enforcement agents and other professionals within the justice system. in addition to promoting victim’s rights and public safety, a probation office will work to ensure that criminals are held accountable for their actions.
People who are interested in assisting with this mission, may wish to consider employment at a probation office. In addition to probation officers, a probation department maintains positions in social work and administration, and many offer internships. 

The Job of a Probation Officer

The Job of a Probation Officer

Probation officers are often confused with parole officers, however, there is an important distinction between these two positions. A parole officer is an individual who supervises convicts who are released from jail because they have demonstrated good behavior. A probation officer is also responsible for supervising his/her charges. The convicts that a probation officer supervises are individuals who have completed their sentences, or who have had their sentences suspended. 
Supervision is the primary responsibility of parole officers. They must ensure that their charges are adhering to the rules and regulations specified upon their release. For example, a charge may be required to regularly attend counseling, obtain a steady job, and take part in frequent drug tests. An individual must routinely report to their assigned probation officer, in order to detail any progress that he/she has made.
In addition the supervising a recently released convict, a probation officer must also report his/her progress to the court. In the event that a charge violates the specified conditions of his/her probation, a probation officer is required to inform the court. An individual who is employed as a probation officer may provided judges with suggestions regarding the sentences and probation of his/her charges.
These individuals help to ensure that a newly released convict is successfully reintegrated into the community. Probation officers are responsible for providing their charges with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to succeed, and advising them on important life decisions, as they adjust to their new lives. 

How to Become a Probation Officer

How to Become a Probation Officer

Probation officer jobs can be extremely rewarding, as individuals who are employed within this field help once troubled criminals to become productive members of society. However, in order for an individual to be eligible for probation jobs, he/she must complete extensive training and education. First, an individual must earn a high school degree. It is important that he/she maintain high grades throughout high school, so that he/she will be accepted to an accredited college or university. 
Following graduation from high school, an individual must locate a college program that is suitable to his/her interests and desires. Probation officer requirements vary from one state to another, and from one department to another. An individual will be required to obtain a bachelor’s degree, in order to become a probation officer. There are many degree programs that an individual can enroll in. In most instances, social work, criminal justice, counseling, and psychology provide individuals with the background necessary to become a probation officers.
Though many states do not require an individual to obtain a master’s degree, individuals who do acquire advanced degrees are more likely to be employed as a probation officers. Once an individual’s education is complete, he/she should seek employment in positions that will provide his/her with applicable experience. 
He/she will be required to successfully pass a series of examinations, as well as a government operated training program. Once each of these steps is completed, an individual will be eligible for employment in probation officer jobs. 

What Do Probation Services Help With?

What Do Probation Services Help With?

Probation services are provided by probation departments, and are carried out in order to promote public safety. In addition, probation services seek to ensure that individuals are held liable for any crimes that they commit and that they are punished accordingly. A probation department offers a variety of different probation services. 
In many instances, the services available will vary depending upon whether the cases involve juvenile offenders or adult offenders. For example, one probation service targeting juveniles is the assessment of family bonds. A probation officer will analyze family relationships, and provide advice on how to strengthen and improve these relationships. A probation department will also provide juvenile offenders with referrals to organizations that specialize in family counseling and substance abuse treatment.
The primary probation service focusing on adult offenders is supervision. A probation department will supervise the actions and behavior of released offenders to ensure that they to not threaten the health or well being of other members of the community. In the event that a violent offender is exhibiting indications that he/she may cause harm to another individual, a probation officer will report this to the court and offer suggestions on how to best address the situation. 
The probation department will also ensure that a released offender adheres to all conditions of his/he probation, including maintaining a productive job and avoiding illegal substances. If an individual does not adhere to these specifications, a probation department will relay this information to the court and may suggest incarceration. 

What Are Some Probation Service Jobs

What Are Some Probation Service Jobs

Probation service jobs can be both rewarding and exciting. There are a variety of positions available for individuals who wish to become involved in probation services, and these positions may exist in a number of different environments. Probation officer positions are the fundamental jobs within the field of probation services, however, there is a great deal of variation regarding a probation officer’s responsibilities and location of employment. 
In general, probation officers and other probation service professionals supervise the release of of offenders and their reintegration into a community. In the United States, individuals who are employed within the field work for local governments or state governments. In other countries, such as England, probation services is a national effort. Just as the United States maintains county and state probation departments, England has developed the National Probation Service to carry out similar duties and offer analogous employment opportunities.
When an individual decides to become a probation officer, he/she will choose whether he/she wants to be a juvenile probation officer or an adult probation officer. If an individual enjoys working with children and young adults, he/she will likely focus on juvenile probation services. 
In some instances, a probation officer will have the opportunity to focus on specific types of offenses. For example, a probation officer may want to work closely with violent offenders. An individual who is employed within this field can work within a probation office, or he/she may be employed within a prison. A prison probation staff provides inmates with assistance and guidance, and prepares them for release from prison by offering advice and recommendations. 

Juvenile Probation vs. Adult Probation

Juvenile Probation vs. Adult Probation

Just as there are different facilities for the containment of juvenile convicts and adult convicts, there are different probation services available for juvenile and adult offenders. Both juvenile probation services and adult probation services are concerned with the supervision of release offenders throughout the reintegration process. 
However, the procedures and methods involved vary slightly. Juvenile probation is reserved for individuals who are under the age of 18 and who have been tried as a juvenile. Juvenile probation seeks to help juvenile offenders overcome the conditions that caused them to partake in criminal behavior and teach them effective methods of becoming productive members of a community. Often, this involves out of placement, especially if an offender’s family is psychologically or physically abusive. Correctional counseling and behavioral skill counseling are often conditions of juvenile parole
Adult probation is reserved for adult offenders. These offenders may have committed violent crimes or relatively minor offenses. Adult probation seeks to hold criminals liable while initiating change, by implementing correctional practices. In many instances, adult offenders who have been placed on probation or required to obtain a respectable job. 
Often, adult probation provides offenders with the skills necessary to avoid criminal behavior. The reintegration process will teach them to accept personal responsibility and responsibility for their actions. In addition, adult probation utilizes restorative justice methods to compensate victims and reduce the likelihood that an individual will commit additional offenses.