Prison crisis in Ecuador from a criminological perspective: causes, consequences, and intervention proposals

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the existence of the prison crisis in Ecuador, approached from a criminological perspective in order to understand the causes, analyze the consequences it has generated and propose effective intervention strategies, with the purpose of collaborating in the improvement of the prison system and the reduction of violence and criminal recidivism. Methodology: The bibliographic and documentary review reveals that the causes of the prison emergency are multiple and complex. Results: Among the main ones are prison overcrowding, indiscriminate use of pretrial detention, precarious prison living conditions, lack of resources and trained personnel, corruption, and violence both among inmates and towards prison staff. Conclusions: The consequences of the prison crisis are evident and worrisome, affecting society by generating insecurity and distrust in criminal justice. To address this problem, various interventions based on criminology are proposed.