Playstations for prisoners? It is an outrage!

[SouthernSarah]

Originally Posted by NorthGAbound12

At the same time I know of inmates with cancer and AIDS and all sorts of diseases who do get treated. And yes beatings happen, no doubt, but alot of inmates tell me it's better than getting shot at. The system's easier to play in the big house.

I don't know where you live, but here the college is free, not every prison has it, but a lot do. We also have the firefighter program. Where inmates form a firefighting station and get their (very expensive) firefighting certifications and qualifications for free. They get to live detached from the prison in a firehouse, they respond to fires, everything.

However, once they get out they will never have the opportunity to become firemen for a living.

[SouthernSarah]

Originally Posted by NorthGAbound12

At the same time I know of inmates with cancer and AIDS and all sorts of diseases who do get treated. And yes beatings happen, no doubt, but alot of inmates tell me it's better than getting shot at. The system's easier to play in the big house.

I don't know where you live, but here the college is free, not every prison has it, but a lot do. We also have the firefighter program. Where inmates form a firefighting station and get their (very expensive) firefighting certifications and qualifications for free. They get to live detached from the prison in a firehouse, they respond to fires, everything.

And you object to them being used as free labor to perform a valuable, otherwise, very expensive service?

[Vegas Joe]

Originally Posted by SouthernSarah

That is certainly true in many cases. In many others, the inmates are pleading to get into the classes, especially if they are required to make parole.
Not trying to change your mind. I know what actually goes on behind the walls and I don't feel the need to convince anyone. We can agree to disagree.

The inmates always want parole. They always want to get out of prison. They try every way they can to get out. Then, when they finally do get out, they go back and do the same things they did before to try and get back in. Makes no sense to me.

[SouthernSarah]

Originally Posted by Vegas Joe

The inmates always want parole. They always want to get out of prison. They try every way they can to get out. Then, when they finally do get out, they go back and do the same things they did before to try and get back in. Makes no sense to me.

A lot of them do. I have my suspicions. I used to think it was because they liked being criminals, locked up etc. And in some cases, that's probably true. In other cases, addiction causes them to behave like idiots and commit crimes.
But after working with the felon population for about three years I have come to realize the MAIN reason they go back.
A felon cannot rent a decent place to live. FOREVER.
A felon cannot enter the professions and pretty much cannot get a job outside of restaurant kitchens and construction.... FOREVER.

Most of them come out raring to go.... looking for work, looking for a place to live other than back home with momma...

after enough doors get slammed in their faces for rentals, after enough job applications get turned down because of a background check...

their self esteem takes such a hit.

It is very difficult to watch a grown man break down and cry as he realizes his felony record means that until the day he dies, he will be imprisoned without being in an actual prison.
Without the ability to find a job that covers the bills, without the ability to rent a place..........without the ability to support the family, move ahead, save some....
and knowing it will be like this for the remainder of their lives....
They give up.......They become what society has already deemed them to be-Felons for life.

[dubyanumberone]

Originally Posted by SouthernSarah

A lot of them do. I have my suspicions. I used to think it was because they liked being criminals, locked up etc. And in some cases, that's probably true. In other cases, addiction causes them to behave like idiots and commit crimes.
But after working with the felon population for about three years I have come to realize the MAIN reason they go back.
A felon cannot rent a decent place to live. FOREVER.
A felon cannot enter the professions and pretty much cannot get a job outside of restaurant kitchens and construction.... FOREVER.

Most of them come out raring to go.... looking for work, looking for a place to live other than back home with momma...

after enough doors get slammed in their faces for rentals, after enough job applications get turned down because of a background check...

their self esteem takes such a hit.

It is very difficult to watch a grown man break down and cry as he realizes his felony record means that until the day he dies, he will be imprisoned without being in an actual prison.
Without the ability to find a job that covers the bills, without the ability to rent a place..........without the ability to support the family, move ahead, save some....
and knowing it will be like this for the remainder of their lives....
They give up.......They become what society has already deemed them to be-Felons for life.

We really need to take a second look at how we handle all criminals save the violent predator types. We have so many infrastructure needs in this country that could possibly be met by using parolees. Put recently released prisoners to work building bridges, paving roads, cutting grass, cooking for the homeless. They could be paid a decent wage (say 2x minimum) and perhaps earn credits towards college tuition or vocational training.

Just an idea off the top of my head. Something needs to change. A dumb kid caught stealing a car or selling pot shouldn't be doomed for life. Save that for the killers, home invaders and rapists.