Which factor is NOT generally associated with prison effectiveness?

The concept of prison effectiveness largely revolves around how well a correctional facility fulfills its goals of rehabilitation, deterrence, and public safety. Low recidivism rates are often viewed as a hallmark of effective prisons since they indicate that former inmates are less likely to engage in criminal behavior again after release. High recidivism rates typically suggest that a prison environment is failing to rehabilitate its inmates, which would mean it is not effective.

When considering the factors that do not contribute to prison effectiveness, it's essential to recognize that high costs, overcrowding issues, and shifting public sentiment can negatively impact the prison system’s ability to function effectively. High costs can strain resources, making it difficult to provide adequate services and programs for rehabilitation. Overcrowding can lead to unsafe and inhumane conditions, reducing the overall effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts. Shifting public sentiment may influence policies and funding, which can disrupt effective programming and focus on rehabilitation.

Thus, because low recidivism rates reflect a successful outcome of prison effectiveness, the identification of low recidivism rates as the factor not generally associated with prison effectiveness is incorrect. The other listed factors highlight challenges faced by the prison system, making them more accurately representative of issues that detract from effectiveness.