Comparative Criminal Justice - Personal Statement Example

The difference between prisoners’ rights and prisoners’ privileges is that rights must be granted to all prisoners, while privileges must be earned based on good behavior. Rights are determined by government and privileges are determined by the individual prisons and are not offered to all prisoners. A prisoner has the right and is entitled to healthcare and protection from bullying by other prisoners, but they must earn the opportunities to receive additional visits from friends and family.

At the reception on the first day, prisoners are checked in and assigned numbers. They are interviewed and assessed so that they understand the rules of the prison and their rights, as well as available courses and required healthcare. All new prisoners are strip-searched, and then given prison-standard clothing. The prisoners are then inspected by a nurse to determine if a prisoner is under the influence of drugs or prescribed medication or are feeling suicidal. In the case that a prisoner is violent or considered a risk to themselves or others, segregation cells are made available for the prisoner to remain for a short period of time.

Female prisoners are allowed to keep their infants with them in prison if the child is under eighteen months, or the woman gives birth while in prison, and the admissions board deems the situation required for the well-being of the infant. If the prisoner is denied their child or if the child is older than eighteen months, or if there are no available mother-baby units in any potential prison, outside arrangements must be made for the care of the child. Such arrangements can be made with family or Social Services, who will see to it that the child is cared for in a foster home.

A prisoner can keep in touch with their family and friends by means of letters and telephone calls. Most letters are read and telephone calls are listened to by prison staff and can be recorded. Inmates can also have in-prison visitation with their friends and family, including designated days set aside for visits with their children. A prisoner’s ability to communicate with the outside world in writing is limited to only letters, as these are able to be screened, both incoming and outgoing letters, to ensure that the material is appropriate.

A prisoner may officially complain against correctional officers. They can do this by first speaking with a prison officer within three months of the initial incident. If this does not alleviate the problem, the prisoner can do a written complaint by filling out a form that is made readily available in every wing of the prison. If the prisoner is still not satisfied with how their complaints are handled, they can complain directly to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. Complaints can also be made confidentially in the case of ill-treatment or misbehaving staff, including correctional officers.