Detention or Imprisonment?
The use of detention and imprisonment has risen steadily over the decade with prisons having become overcrowded and recidivism rates continuing to rise exponentially. As a result, many countries are looking into alternative methods of dealing with criminal behaviour and are considering that of detention sentences to house those awaiting trial, serving minor sentences, or as an alternative form of punishment for those standing accused of lesser offences. This paper looks to discuss the pros and cons of detention as opposed to imprisonment and whether it is a viable alternative to prison.
Detention is much like prison, but with the distinction that it can generally refer to a shorter-term incarceration and it does not refer to a neighbouring prison facility. Generally speaking, detention sentences tend to be much more lenient, more often than not allowing an individual to continue to work and have contact with the outside world. It is also seen as a more viable option as there are generally more amenities available as they are not operating under the same financial and security constraints as many prisons. This can often be seen as a preferable option to that of what can be seen as a more punitive form of imprisonment.
That being said, there are some drawbacks to the use of detention, namely that depending what an individual is charged with, they can sometimes spend exceptionally long periods of time in such an environment. In the case of those awaiting trial, this can often lead to extended periods of detainment without due process. There is also the risk of institutionalisation that comes with extended amounts of time in such facilities, which can, in rare cases, lead to being exposed to greater levels of violence, mental health issues and in severe cases personality disorder.
In contrast to the issues associated with detention, prisons may be seen as more secure and provide more rigidity in terms of their operations. Prisons are designed to strictly control the movements of inmates and ensure that each individual is held accountable for their actions. Moreover, prisons can act as a deterrent to the public by providing a uniform approach to those who commit crimes by ensuring the same sanctions are applied regardless of the severity of the offence.
Each of these methods of punishment come with their own unique pros and cons, which must be weighed up when making the decision to choose between them. Detention may be seen as a less punitive approach, however if over-used or used inappropriately can have damaging effects. On the other hand, prisons can provide a more uniform approach to justice, but come with their own potential risks such as overcrowding, long sentences and subjecting the inmate to extreme levels of violence.
Ultimately, each society must make their own decision regarding the best approach to criminal justice, however they must consider both of these approaches as viable options. Detention can act as a viable alternative to imprisonment, providing a less punitive approach to justice, however prisons should not be overlooked as a more beneficial option for more serious offences. Offenders should be treated with fairness, no matter which method of justice is used and as such it is important to ensure that any decision is carefully considered before implementation.
