In the custodial model, what is the primary assumption about prisoners?

The custodial model of corrections primarily operates under the assumption that prisoners are incarcerated for specific purposes such as incapacitation, deterrence, and retribution. This model emphasizes the management and control of inmates, focusing on maintaining order and security within the correctional facility. It views the prison environment as a means of serving justice by keeping offenders away from society while reinforcing societal norms and rules through punishment.

In this context, incapacitation refers to removing offenders from the community to prevent them from committing further crimes, while deterrence aims to discourage both the individual and the general public from engaging in criminal behavior through the fear of punishment. Retribution involves imposing a penalty on the offender that is proportionate to the crime committed, reflecting society's demand for justice.

In contrast, the notions of rehabilitation or treating inmates with dignity do not align with the custodial model's primary focus. Additionally, the belief that prisoners require unlimited freedom to reform contradicts the fundamental principles of the model, which emphasizes supervision and control within a structured environment.