Reference no: EM132243088

Discussion Response # 1

One concept from our textbook that I found particularly interesting is decarceration. In an effort to reduce imprisonment percentages, legislators have incorporated decarceration polices. One technique used is to reduce the number of nonviolent offenders behind bars by increasing the rate of release (Gaines & Miller, 2017).

A current news article I located discusses paroling elderly inmates with lengthy sentences who have committed a violent crime. According to the article, the Unger v. Maryland court ruling demonstrates that elderly, violent offenders can be safely released provided they participate in reentry education before and after release (Schindler, 2018).

Another point made in the article is that parole should focus on assessing the present risk of re-offending instead of focusing on the crime that was committed (Schindler, 2018). Research suggests the elderly are least likely to be a threat to public safety (Schindler, 2018). Releasing senior inmates can decrease the prison population and save taxpayer dollars (Schindler, 2018).

1. What are some unintended consequences of releasing elderly offenders who have committed violent crimes as opposed to those who have committed nonviolent crimes?

Discussion response #2

When deadly force is used in the community, debates start to form about when deadly force should be used, if it was necessary, and what alternative action could have taken place. Some law enforcement agencies are trying out new ways to apprehend suspects without using deadly force. This nonlethal device is a high powered lasso device called the Bola Wrap 3000.

1. Do you think that instead of using deadly force a officer would be more inclined to use the Bola Wrap 3000 on a suspect who may pose as a threat?