Alternative Sentencing For Prison

The daily fights within the jail premises, the conditions and attitude of the other jail inmates and the fear of being physical abused, creates a stressful environment for the accused.

There are a few alternatives available for a sentence in prison such as the second chance centre, the functioning and norms of which can vary from state to state. A second chance centre is a private, medium security rehabilitation centre that is made available as an alternative for a prison. It offers a safe and secure abode for the accused and allows the rehabilitation to be carried out in a positive environment. The staff members at the second chance centre are respectful and very supportive. They put in a lot of efforts to facilitate participation and success of each individual in the rehabilitation programs.

However, one needs to pay for the accommodation, additional facilities and treatment offered at the second chance centre. The basic eligibility criteria for admission into a second chance centre are that the applicant must be a male, who is strictly not a sex offender, and who is sentenced to incarceration for a minimum period of four months.

Another example of alternative sentencing for prisons includes community service programs which are meant for white-collared criminals, and juvenile delinquents, who have committed petty crimes. The offenders are asked to clean parks, collect roadside rubbish, paint community chairs, work for government or private organizations or involved in other sort of community service programs. There are similar centers also available for women, where the inmates are taught how to train, groom, and board dogs that can assist people with disabilities. Penalties and day fines are the other available alternatives to a prison sentence. The fine amount depends on the seriousness of the crime and the criminal history of the offender.