Transforming Correctional Facilities Understanding How Prisons Shape the well-being and future Aspirations of prisoners
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Date
2024
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UMT, Lahore
Abstract
This study focuses on exploring the implications of prisons in the well-being of prisoners and shaping their future aspirations. The underlying emphasis is to critically understand how prisons play a crucial role in decreasing the recidivism rate and thus control the crime rate in our society. This study is conducted in three prisons of Lahore division namely, Lahore central jail, Sheikhupura district jail, and Qasur district jail using qualitative Study methodology for instance, observation, one-to-one interviews of the 32 Study participants. Here, purposive sampling was used to select the Study participants. For data analysis, thematic analysis was used in which five different themes such as, prison environment and prisoners’ well-being, personal growth and redemption, challenges to effective rehabilitation and Justice, gender-based challenges, and psychological repercussions were included. Comprehensive data analysis shows that the jails provide basic facilities such as hygienic and nutritional food, clean and reasonable accommodation, clean and tiled washrooms, provision of health facilities such as hospitals within the jail. The Study participants showed satisfaction for such resources and were happy with the jail environment such as the staff’s behavior with them. Although, the prisons provide rehabilitation programs but data analysis shows that the corrective practices within the prisons need to be reformed massively. This is because such programs do not effectively address the corrective measures and provide limited options to inmates and therefore are not sustainable. Similarly, prisoners with psychological and mental issues are not catered properly because the jails lack the professional trained staff or the proper diagnosis and treatment of such conditions. This was observed to be one of the major concerns that plays its pivotal role in perpetuating higher rates of recidivism. Similarly, it was observed that the delay of cases or unjust treatment by the justice system and lack of transparent practices on police side and the judiciary were the major factors highlighted by the prisoners, which contributed in them being mentally disturbed and being stressed and frustrated all the time. The study recommended that the rehabilitation practices need to be urgently reformed and duly financed to elevate their efficiency and effectiveness in addressing the root causes of crimes and help the prisoners in living a moral future.