BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Prisons are meant to punish those who have broken the law, but can also be a place where these criminals have time to reflect on their actions and reform. However, in some cases, a lack of proper supervision can lead to unruly behavior, and many prisoners tend to once again fall […]
BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Prisons are meant to punish those who have broken the law, but can also be a place where these criminals have time to reflect on their actions and reform. However, in some cases, a lack of proper supervision can lead to unruly behavior, and many prisoners tend to once again fall back into periods of aggression, which can result in injuries, loss of privileges, or even extended sentences. As such, close monitoring and relationships with correctional officers are important parts of sentences and rehabilitation — an idea which, thankfully, is on full display in North Dakota.
In a study regarding prison numbers across the US, Las Vegas-based Personal Injury Lawyers with H&P Law examined data from the 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as 2022 data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, to determine the number of correctional officers and convicts in each state. When ratios were calculated from these numbers, it was determined that the Peace Garden State is one of the most secure places in the country… at least, as far as prisons are concerned.
While North Dakota does not boast the best level of balance in the country, it still maintains an impressive ratio of guards. On the opposite side of this spectrum, many states in the south — such as Mississippi, Florida, and Oklahoma — report far lower numbers of guards, thus making the prison system more dangerous than it necessarily needs to be.
“Given the stressful work undertaken by correctional officers and jailers across the country,” explains H&P Law Partner Matthew Pfau, “it is encouraging to hear about the states that are doing what they can to make the job easier. By making sure each prison is staffed to a reasonable level, states can make a positive difference to the workload of each prison guard.”
Even if one is sent to prison, there are still many things they can do to help get their life back on track — including taking part in behavioral health programs. To learn more about these opportunities, look up prisoners, or discover how to aid prisoners yourself, visit the state Corrections and Rehabilitation Department’s website here.