FACTORS AFFECTING THE CORRECTIONAL FUNCTIONS OF CORRECTIONAL CENTRE IN AWKA METROPOLIS, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Correctional centres are vital institutions in the contemporary era, saddled with the responsibility of reforming, punishing, and rehabilitating convicted inmates. However, correctional centres, especially in Nigeria, appear to be struggling to perform these fundamental responsibilities effectively. It is particularly troubling that some discharged inmates struggle to successfully reintegrate into society. Against this backdrop, this paper examines the factors affecting the correctional functions of the Awka Correctional Centre. The study is anchored on the frustration–aggression theory as its theoretical framework. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection. A sample size of 156 correctional officers was used for the administration of questionnaires, while eight (8) officers participated in in-depth interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25, while the research questions were addressed using frequency counts and percentages. The qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic method. The findings revealed that overcrowding of inmates is one of the major factors affecting the correctional functions of the Awka Correctional Centre. The study also found that the current infrastructure and facility conditions at the Centre adversely affect the implementation of rehabilitation and reformation programmes for inmates. Based on these findings, it is recommended, among other measures, that to address the persistent problem of overcrowding and poor living conditions at the Awka Correctional Centre, the government and relevant stakeholders should implement a comprehensive decongestion strategy. This strategy should include accelerated trial processes, the adoption of non-custodial sentencing options, and the expansion of existing facilities.