Prison as an Institute of Recidivism: The Correctional Center’S Corruptions: An Empirical Study

Abstract

Regrettably, the prison system in India often falls short of accomplishing its objectives, despite being established with the commendable aims of safeguarding society and facilitating rehabilitation. An continuing issue in prison is the elevated recidivism rate, which refers to the propensity of those who have served their sentences to revert to criminal behaviour. This phenomena necessitates a meticulous examination of the prison system as an institution that inadvertently fosters criminal behaviour instead of actively discouraging it. An issue that requires meticulous scrutiny is the presence of corruption within the jail system. Recidivism refers to the relapse of convicted offenders into criminal behaviour after serving their prison sentence. In order to successfully develop strategies to disrupt this repetitive cycle, it is crucial to fully understand the elements that contribute to it. This empirical study primarily focuses on the correlation between corruption in jail and high recidivism rates. Corruption within prisons encompasses a range of unethical acts, such as bribery, abuse of power, and collusion between staff and convicts. These activities possess the capacity to disrupt the process of rehabilitation, exacerbate existing issues in the criminal justice system, and foster an environment that promotes repeated offenses1. The impact of corruption on the mental and emotional well-being of convicts is a crucial aspect to consider. Instances of power abuse, coercion, and inequitable treatment can cultivate hostility and apprehension, so impeding an individual's successful reintegration into society.2 Individuals may resort to engaging in criminal behaviour as a means of dealing with their difficulties or due to a lack of available alternative sources of assistance, which can be attributed to the distress they endure during their time in prison. Corruption within jails can hinder convicts' access to mental health services, career opportunities, and educational resources. These programs are crucial in providing individuals with the necessary resources to rebuild their lives upon their release from jail. Refusing to provide such services increases the likelihood of relapse and hinders the process of recovery. An empirical investigation is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between recidivism and corruption in jail. By collecting and analysing data on inmates' experiences, interactions with correctional officials, and access to rehabilitation programs, researchers can identify patterns and correlations that may shed light on the root causes of high rates of repeat offenses. The issue of recidivism in the criminal justice system is intricate, and a crucial aspect that requires additional investigation is the impact of corruption within prisons. This study aims to elucidate the specific mechanisms via which corruption might hinder inmate rehabilitation and perpetuate criminal behaviour. In order to establish a fair and rehabilitative correctional system, policymakers and prison administrators may endeavour to implement reforms that target the root causes of recidivism and get a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics.