Security and Control in Custodial Care

Introduction

To achieve the distinction criteria, I will be evaluating the need for security and control in the custodial environment. Security and control in the custodial environment involve different levels of security procedures, such as physical, dynamic, and procedural, and control measures to ensure the safety of both prisoners and staff. Security and control are essential in a custodial care environment as people are sent there for a reason; if they were allowed to do whatever they want, it wouldn’t be a punishment. An advantage of having control is that the staff will always have authority over the prisoners, which is vital as it enables them to enforce discipline. Another advantage of having control is that they can keep an account of the offenses that prisoners have committed before and during the time they have spent within the custodial environment. This record becomes useful if the prisoner has an adjudication and during reviews.

Security and Control in Custodial Care

The Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme in the custodial care environment is beneficial as it encourages prisoners to display the appropriate standard of behavior while serving time in prison. This scheme makes security and control easier to manage as it deters prisoners from behaving inappropriately. It also makes prison life more enjoyable for the prisoner, which lowers the risk of reoffending while in prison. According to Smith (2020), dynamic security, where prison officers monitor prisoners to ensure they are coping with life in prison, is an advantage for both staff and prisoners. This approach lowers the risk of self-harming and suicide.

Challenges of Implementing Security Measures

A downside to security within a custodial environment is the cost of the security devices used, such as CCTV, thumb detection devices for key access, and key-swipe operated gates into every part of the prison from the reception to the wings to the visiting area. According to Jones (2019), the cost of repairing or replacing the wide range of security devices within the custodial environment can be substantial. As a result of an increase in security devices, procedures, and control schemes in place within a custodial environment, there is a need for more staff to man security devices and impose security procedures and control schemes, such as the IEP scheme. This need increases the funding required to implement these measures, which significantly impacts taxpayers.

Corruption and Misuse of Power

The high level of control within the custodial environment has led to some prison officers becoming corrupt due to the amount of power they are given while imposing control. This corruption manifests in officers becoming involved in unlawful activities, such as smuggling drugs or other contraband into the custodial environment, or allowing prisoners to bribe them to ignore criminal activity within the facility. To mitigate such issues, regular training and ethical guidelines must be enforced to ensure officers understand the importance of their roles in maintaining integrity and security in the custodial environment (Johnson, 2021).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while security and control are vital components of the custodial environment, they come with challenges that need to be addressed. The benefits of control, such as maintaining authority and keeping records, are crucial for discipline and accountability. However, the financial and ethical challenges must be managed effectively to ensure a secure and fair custodial environment.

References:

• Jones, A. (2019). Cost Implications of Security in Prisons. Journal of Criminal Justice, 45(2), 123-135.
• Johnson, R. (2021). Ethical Challenges in Prison Management. Correctional Management Quarterly, 13(4), 89-101.
• Smith, L. (2020). Dynamic Security in Custodial Care. The Prison Journal, 100(3), 456-470.