Solutions

The United States needs serious prison reform. They should start by taking a look at how things are done in Norway. Norway focuses on rehabilitation instead of punishment. In a video from Second Thought, it is stated that "everything is intended to foster an environment of improvement for their inmates". It is more of a therapeutic facility than a place for punishment. It is also stated in the video that "[Norwegian] correctional officers all complete a 2-year degree before they're able to work as what is called 'contact officers', which function as both guard and social worker". This is exactly what the United States needs to implement; correctional officers in the United States are more often than not, abusive and authoritarian. I understand that they need to be authoritarian because they are in control, but too many use it as a power trip. Finland uses a similar system but allows its prisoners can come and go as they please. This simply wouldn't work in the United States because then nobody would ever get treated. Prison should be treated, not punishment; prison should also not be an option like it is in Finland; prison needs to be mandatory counseling and treatment, while also teaching the inmates to be functioning members of society, by teaching them trades and helping them become better citizens.