Prisons do not work

Many people end up in incarceration multiple times because they repeatedly break the law once gaining back their freedom. One study found that 76% of all prisoners will return to prison within five years.^[1] This is because most large prisons were designed to punish people instead of working to improve behavior. A lengthy prison sentence and chemically alter a person's mind and personality due to being mistreated for an extended amount of time. If an inmate is used to living within the prison's society, it makes it more difficult to adjust to freedom.^[2] Prisons should work to develop programs that help inmates reintegrate into normal life, so there is a smaller chance they will recidivate.^[3] The United States' massive incarcerated population has led to higher rates of crime, instead of lowering the number like expected. Often, it is extremely difficult for ex-convicts to find stable employment, so they again turn to crime to earn income.^[4] Since prisons are full of criminals and illegal activity, it fosters violent behavior and often hardens people. Gangs control a number of prison populations, so inmates do whatever they can to survive their sentences. The high percentage of felons that are incarcerated multiple times proves that current prison systems are not effective.

[P1] A high percentage of criminals return to crime after being released from prison. [P2] Long prison sentences change inmates' brain chemistry. [P3] It is difficult for someone to find employment after being released from prison. [P4] Prisons are a hub for illegal and violent behavior. [P5] Therefore, prisons should be reformed.