Prison as an institution for correcting criminal behaviour : the local context

Abstract

This dissertation attempts to investigate the effectiveness of incarceration as a means of correcting criminal behaviour within the local Maltese context, focusing on correctional officers' perspectives. The research seeks to understand whether prisons and prison sanctions are currently effective in correcting criminal behaviour, and to explore alternative methods of correction. A qualitative approach is employed, in this exploratory study, involving in-depth interviews with five correctional officers from the Corradino Correction Facility. A thorough examination of audio recordings and interviews reveals a variety of perspectives on the current system's effectiveness, prisoner reformation, alternative sentences, prison environment, and the impact of overcrowding. The Correctional officers expressed diverse views on the effectiveness of the Maltese prison system, highlighting the challenges of maintaining discipline, motivating staff, and reducing recidivism. Their perspectives are consistent with punishment theories, emphasising the importance of including deterrence, rehabilitation, and staff motivation in correctional strategies. Concerns about the practicality of alternative sentences, particularly suspended sentences and probation orders, highlight the need for targeted interventions and improved monitoring to ensure effectiveness. Furthermore, the correctional officers unanimously advocated for improving prison conditions and infrastructure in order to better facilitate inmate rehabilitation, recognising the adverse effects of overcrowding on inmate well-being. Based on these findings, key recommendations include prioritising staff training and support, implementing evidence-based rehabilitation programs, reviewing alternative sentencing policies, improving prison conditions and infrastructure, addressing overcrowding, and fostering future research efforts to refine strategies for inmate rehabilitation and social reintegration.