State and Federal Prison System

State and Federal Prison System

Introduction

Though both systems hold prisoners for somehow similar crimes but there are few differences in both systems. Federal prisons hold white collar prisoners who are usually drug sellers or other who belong to political background. While violent and dangerous prisoners are sent to state prisons among which most of them are re-offenders. According to USA today federal system imprisons offenders at low level security for extended period of imprisonment (Texas Department of Criminal Justice).

Discussion

Example of state prison system

Texas Department of Corrections which is located in Texas is an example of state prison system in US. The department was established in 1849 and still works as the Texas department of Criminal justice headquarters. The facilities it provides are offender's management in state jails, prisons and other services related to the correctional; facilities. It also provides regulation and funds for community supervision. It also oversights or supervises released offenders on parole or compulsory supervision. It provides incarceration, supervision, reintegration and rehabilitation to the convicted offenders of the state.

Growth of State Prisons

Due to the strictness in drug enforcement and other mandatory sentencing laws, the prison system of US has increased tremendously during last few decades. The most important change is the growth in state prisons. The central American correctional institutions are constituted by the state prison system which house almost 93% of all American inmates. This growth in state prisons is said to be the results of “get-tough” legislations according to which more people are imprisoned for longer period of times (Foster, 2006). Another reason behind the growth in state prisons is the sentences given under the drug war. The greatest share of prisoners in state prisons, that is about 30%, is contributed by the drug offenders. Their sentencing under get-tough legislations is also a ...