CT_March-April_2022_Mag_Web

nEWS&vIEWS

Guest Editorial

The Correctional Mission: What is it and why should I care?

By Tony C. Parker, ACA 107 th President

I am confident the average citi - zen does not consider the true mission of corrections. Those who have contemplated the topic, probably felt the issue was some- thing they had very little interest in exploring. I get it! Most people have never been involved with the correctional systems in their state. It’s a topic that best fits the big screen or some reality show that provides little truth about correc- tional work and more importantly, provides no clarity regarding the true mission of corrections. For most citizens, having an interest in prisons or jail operations and the programs used inside their walls and fences, is reserved for those who know someone involved in the correction system or those who work in this setting. I’ve always said, “It is not personal with people, until it is personal.” Many citizens have no interest in the recidivism rate. The

average family never considers the taxpayer costs or the social costs of housing a state inmate. Many believe sending someone to prison or jail, satisfies the pain and empti - ness a victim feels after the loss of a loved one resulting from a violent crime. Remember, it is not person- al, until it’s personal. As a 38-year veteran of correc- tions work, I have often considered what a more efficient correctional system we could have if every citizen and every legislator truly un- derstood the mission of corrections, and most importantly, why complet- ing this mission directly affects each of us as members of society. I would argue the correctional mission is personal to all of us as members of a community and directly affects us whether we realize it or not. The true mission of corrections is to enhance public safety. Enhancing public safety can be accomplished in many ways but for corrections,

our primary goal is to take people at what is often their lowest period in life, determine their risk to reoffend, and most importantly, provide them the opportunity to engage in life- changing programing and treatment designed to reduce their risk to reof- fend once released. It is critical to remember, 95%of those sent to a prison or jail will return to our communities. One of the most misunderstood concepts in correctional work is the belief people are sent to prison to experience harsh punishment for the crime they committed. This inaccurate narrative prevents people from understanding the true mission of corrections. Individuals are sentenced to prison as punish- ment for a crime; not to be punished! When we consider that 95%of the individuals who walk through the front door of a correctional facility will one day walk out the exit door and return to our communities, we

8 — March/April 2022 Corrections Today