Boot Camp Essay

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Michigan Department of Corrections Boot Camps Boot camps can be defined as correctional facilities which have been primarily used as training camp programs for troubled offenders. These programs have traditionally emphasized discipline and physical conditioning. They were originally developed as an alternative to longer terms of confinement within the correctional system. Boot camps are known to include intensive disciplinary training through multiple treatment techniques and processes. The most visible type of boot camp program known in our society is the short term paramilitary residential facility. Sometimes these types of programs have a residential stay of around 90 days in duration however; some may have longer terms of residence. During the intensive residential programming, the program is designed to instill self-discipline, responsibility, self-esteem and teamwork in offenders. This could be accomplished through imploring military-like structure to normal every day activities with the use of discipline and physical fitness training. Because these programs are operated within the justice system, their military dimensions also include therapeutic and educational programs and services such as remedial education, group counseling and life skills training. Each site may differ in the administration of their specific programming. Boot camps appeared on the scene during the 1980’s and were initially identified as “shock incarceration”. This type of programming was fashioned after a paramilitary model to whip errant offenders into shape. There are still people who advocate for the military model style of boot camps as a solution to defeat crime in spite of studies which imply the contrary. (National Council of Family Court Judges, 2007) The actual term “boot camp” was derived from the grueling foot ware that was originally provided to actual
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