Lock Down:

I recently received an email from a friend in prison he apologized for not emailing sooner.  In the email he said the guards stripped searched them, put them  naked in the field while the guards went throught the cells.  The guards destroyed all the cells and eveyone’s things were out. Crafts, blankets, clothes and other items were all gone!

Contraband:

Certaninly there are things that must be thrown out, however if it isn’t contraband why throw it out? If it is a craft project, a blanket or nothing that is cause harm why not just leave them in the cells. Guards do not care that it cost families and inmates that cost them money to replace blankets, sheets and pillows. It cost money to replace craft supplies. So everytime they throw something out it is more money for inmates and families to come up with that they may not have to spend.

Embarrassing:

I realize strip searches are necessary but is it necessary to put everyone naked in a field together? Is it necessary to destroy cells while everyone is naked in a field? This is embarrassing for the inmate and dehumanizing for the inmate. Just because they are in prison does not change the fact that they are still human beings with feelings. It does not give guards the right to have a power trip or to treat people or anyone this way.

Dehumanizing:

Inmates feel that they are not treat as humans. It is bad enough they have to shower, use the bathroom and get stripped searched with other people. Then guards come along an make comments that are inapproperiate to them. Some inmates are locked in  cells 23 hours a day.  The hour they get out is for a shower, one 10 minute phone call and 30 minute rec time.

What needs to change?

Training for guards on treating inmates better. Help for families and inmates so things do not cost so much money. Better programs and jobs so that when an inmate gets their property thrown out they can replace it.  Inmates treated as human beings!! Treating inmates less than humans isn’t making them pay for their crimes anymore than they already are. That is what prison is for!

 

Please let me know your thoughts! If you have a comment please post it.

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