And there are more prisons planned. The social implications for the state of having such a large proportion of its citizens behind bars are enormous. We know that inmates coming out of such a system are more hardened and crime-wise. The prisons are breeding grounds for mean and tough gangs that enforce a brutal code on its members when they are behind bars and even after they are released. And we know that the effect on families of inmates is devastating.
Children are without parents and families are likely to be in poverty.
But even that assertion is questionable. A study made by the advocacy group says that the Texas crime rate between 1995 and 1998 fell 5.1 percent, the smallest decrease of the five largest states and only half of the decrease at the national level. Felons who have done violent crimes belong behind bars. We need to find ways for violators to pay their debt to society without creating tougher criminals. Society needs to get justice for crimes without breaking up families and creating the environment for more crime.