When Politics Trumps Policy - Essay Example

Case Study Case Study Question The case study, when politics trumps policy, clearly demonstrates how politicians can influencedecision-making using their powers. Apparently, the satisfactory policies within the prison system are evident because there has been a notable reduction in recidivism by a mere thirty percent, but a politically inexperienced governor feels that it is necessary to eliminate these programs thought it is necessary to eliminate the programs. Being the prisons director, I decided to give my response to the inexperienced governor that explains why the policies must remain because they are effective among the inmates.

Most importantly, they have gained global attention for their effectiveness (Peak, 2007). As the prisons director, I have witnessed that the vocational, education and treatment opportunities have proved to be effective. They have the capacity to offer resourceful rehabilitation to the convicts. Additionally, the prison is receiving global recognition that is attributable to the effectiveness of the programs, and a thirty percent reduction in recidivism clearly illustrates how the programs are imperative within the prison.

However, elimination of these programs would be a deadly measure since the recidivism rates among the prisoners would begin to escalate because of deprivation of educational and vocational opportunities. There are some significant inconsistencies from recidivism studies. These limit use of comparative analysis amid states or programs (Cole & Smith, 2010). This implies that limiting the effectiveness of treatment and vocational opportunities to the inmates is momentous. Furthermore, based on the effectiveness of the programs, a rigid explanation on why they should prevail is as follows.

AS previously stated, the programs attained global recognition within the state and local prison systems. Consequently, this global recognition has enabled both the state and prison to become one of the best and organized organizations in terms of rehabilitation and effectiveness amid staff and inmates. Over the last six months, the programs have been instrumental when assembling professional wardens to fill positions in the ten prisons. Secondly, a thirty percent reduction in recidivism clearly shows the effectiveness of the programs within the prison and capacity of inmates to value the opportunities offered by the programs.

Additionally, managing ten prisons and staff who value the programs is an imperative asset in every organization especially with a motivational plan for staff. There is a need for treatment opportunities among the staff to ensure that their motivation remains high. The result of a highly motivated staff is streamline in the flow of operations within the prison system, an aspect that has contributed to global recognition. Research revealed that in 2006, the recidivism rates for prisoners were at sixty percent compared to fifty percent in United Kingdom (Peak, 2007).

Apparently, the programs have assisted considerably in lowering the rates by thirty percent. However, elimination of the programs and policies will be hazardous because the recidivism rates will increase dramatically. This will eventually fill prisons to capacity leading to unfavorable conditions among inmates. Question 2 I believe that a notable reduction in recidivism rates and attaining a global recognition will open room for serious dialogue. I will have an opportunity to convince the governor to rethink his decision to eliminate the programs and instead support the programs.

The effectiveness of the programs will be the main basis while negotiating with the governor, and I believe that he will see the essence of the programs remaining in force. Furthermore, I will not embark on a trade –off by imposing tough programs on the inmates because I have assurance in the success of the programs now and the future. I believe that tough programs imposed on the inmates will hamper our goal of minimizing the recidivism rates to five percent, because the inmates will choose to engage in behavior that is more uncouth and eventually lead to re-arresting of inmates after they get out of prison.

Prisoners should get fair treatment in prison because any act of dehumanization may prompt them to lose focus in life and eventually become resentful of their families and friends. Apparently, there is need to value inmates and engage them in vocational programs that will assist them after they are out of prison. A major reason why inmates find themselves back in prison is that they find it hard to adjust to normal life and reestablishing family ties. However, attainment of skill through vocational programs will enable them to adjust to normal life quickly and become important members of the community.

Question 3 Personally, I would like to know both in-house and external parties who have complete faith in the programs and I believe that contacting the American justice system through the subordinate officials will substantial help in knowing who backs my efforts. Question 4 I would embark on creating questionnaires and distributing them to both inmates and staff to that they can give their verdict on the effectiveness of the policies. After they are through, I would read their verdict and present the questionnaires to the governor so that he can verify on his inmates and staff supports the programs because I am sure that they like the programs, and they would not stand the elimination of the programs within the prison system.

References Cole, G., & Smith, C. (2010). The American System of Criminal Justice. New York, NY: Cengage Learning. Peak, K. (2007). Justice Administration: Police, Courts, and Corrections Management, New York, NY: Prentice Hall.