Title: Section 6.2: Prisons | Criminal Justice
Headings: Section 6.2: Prisons
Section 6.2: Prisons
Development of Modern Prisons
Prison Classifications
Special Populations
Prison Overcrowding
Prison Programs
Key Terms

Content: Death row is often regarded as a prison within a prison, often having different staff and procedures than the rest of the facility. Medium-security prisons use a series of fences or walls to hold prisoners that, while still considered dangerous, are less of a threat than maximum-security prisoners. The physical security measures placed in these facilities is often as tight as for maximum-security institutions. The major difference is that medium-security facilities offer more inmate mobility, which translates into more treatment and work options. These institutions are most likely to engage inmates in industrial work, such as the printing of license plates for the State. Minimum-security prisons are institutions that usually do not have walls and armed security. Prisoners housed in minimum-security prisons are considered to be nonviolent and represent a very small escape risk. Most of these institutions have far more programs for inmates, both inside the prison and outside in the community. Part of the difference in inmate rights and privileges stems from the fact that most inmates in minimum-security facilities are “short timers.” In other words, they are scheduled for release soon.