Ah, GSS, that's something I never could sort out in my head. After visiting prisoners and getting some insight into prison life, I used to ask myself all the same questions that you just did. I certainly don't think it's much of a deterrent. And I'm afraid I didn't see much reform going on. With regard to violent offenders, robbers, burglars, abusers etc, it does keep them off the streets, but they're inevitably let out later, so the brief 'holiday' for the rest of us will be over. It isn't fashionable or PC to mention the word 'punishment' but the loss of liberty is certainly that. And the victims of any crime have the right to see the perpetrator punished. I asked many prison officers what they thought prison was for, and most had no firm answer, except as a punitive course of action. They were too savvy to think that any reform took place. Recidivism is sky high.
Harris will go first to an Induction Wing or Unit. He'll be given his prison clothes, inmate number, phone card, bedlinen and a towel and shown to his cell. He'll be visited by the prison Chaplain and the Governor. He'll be put on suicide watch for about a week. He'll be allowed one family visit on the Convicted Wing, then he'll be transferred probably as I said to an open prison, where visits are monthly. He'll most likely be encouraged to continue with his art, and even give lessons to other inmates. As a convicted sex-offender, he'll be 'on the numbers', which means kept away from other types of offenders. But nowadays, they're experimenting with integrating all inmates. A bit risky, as someone may try to attack him. It isn't too bad inside; the worst thing is the other folk in there - they can be absolutely ghastly and make one's life a misery.