How have U.S. prisons changed since the big-house era? What do these changes mean for management?
The big-house era was portrayed in movies and television shows. This was what the public believed to be what reality of prison was. "Although big houses were very common in much of the country during the first half of the twentieth century, many prisons, especially in the south, did not conform to this model," (Clear, Reisig, Cole, 2017). The big house was described as large prisons with cell blocks, a yard, shops and industries. Prisons had no access o visitor or mail.
Prisons today do not function in the same manner as the big-house era. Prisons have access to visitors, mail, work duty, and communication to family and friends. Prisons are allowed free time either outside or in common areas, depending on the security level of the prison. Prisons are treated more humane than they previously were and rehabilitation is the goal set for our criminal justice system. During the big-house era, punishment without any type of rehabilitation seemed to be the goal.
The management aspect of prisons is more organized. Due to rules/regulations of each prison, management is structured in a way that allows for a "smoother" prison system then during other eras. The role of correctional officers has changed drastically. They are no longer only responsible for guarding prisoners. Officers are now responsible for protecting, moving prisoners to dedicated areas securely, and counseling. This does put more demand and work on the correctional officers.
Are some rehabilitative programs more effective or valuable than others? Why or why not?
Depending on what the offenders charges are and what their mental state is during imprisonment will determine which programs are more effective for that individual. I do not believe that a specific program is more effective or valuable per se, more depending on situations. Of course, programs can not be effective without the full participation of the offender and the seriousness in which the offender takes the program. No matter the value of a program, if offenders do not "want" the help, the program will be no be valuable. I do feel that psychological programs are one of the most needed programs in a prison. From my experience, majority of offenders suffer from some type of psychological issue, whether from mental health or past trauma.
Clear, T, Reisig, M, Cole, G (2017). American Corrections.