NCJ Number
102081
Journal
Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science Volume: 478 Dated: (March 1985) Pages: 73-85
Date Published
1985
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Based on personal experience and observation, an inmate describes the effects of prison overcrowding and suggests how inmates can work to change prison conditions.
Abstract
Prison overcrowding increases the aggravation of prisons which provide no air conditioning and very little ventilation during hot weather. Other problems produced by overcrowding are noise, the absence of basic hygiene facilities and services, reduction in food amounts and quality, and lack of protection for inmates' personal possessions. Inmate programs have deteriorated, and idleness has become a major psychological problem. Inmate safety has been jeopardized by prison overcrowding; this includes< the increased threat of inmate 'goon' squads and the use of force by staff to maintain control. Inmates can work constructively for change in prison conditions by filing lawsuits that challenge prison conditions, by communicating grievances to prison administrators, and by writing letters to the media to garner public support for prison reform. Inmate challenges to prison conditions may precipitate retaliation from prison officials. This is less likely when inmates have contact with influential people outside the prison. 6 footnotes.