NCJ Number
7171
Date Published
1972
Length
331 pages
Annotation
NINETEEN ESSAYS BY INMATES ON THEIR EXPERIENCES LEADING UP TO AND INCLUDING THEIR PRESENT INCARCERATION.
Abstract
PRISON ADMINISTRATORS AND INMATES WOULD AGREE THAT THERE IS A GREAT NEED FOR PRISON REFORM BUT THEIR PERSPECTIVES ARE, OF COURSE, QUITE DIFFERENT. IN VIVID AND OFTEN SHOCKING DETAIL, THE PRISONERS RELATE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH POLICE, THE COURTS, AND PRISON OFFICIALS. THESE ACCOUNTS COULD NOT BE CHECKED WITH OFFICIAL RECORDS WITHOUT SACRIFICING THEIR AUTHORS' ANONYMITY. NONETHELESS, THESE ADMITTEDLY ONE-SIDED ESSAYS CANDIDLY REVEAL ATTITUDES TOWARD FELLOW PRISONERS, SECURITY GUARDS, PRISON ADMINISTRATORS, AND THE PRISON EXPERIENCE. RELATING PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND OBSERVATIONS OF DAILY PRISON LIFE, THEY COMMENT UPON SUCH PROBLEMS AS SUBSTANDARD LIVING CONDITIONS, HOMOSEXUALITY, AND RACIAL TENSION. THIS BOOK WILL SERVE AS AN INVALUABLE AID TO ALL PERSONS ASSOCIATED WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE COURTS, AND PRISON ADMINISTRATION, AND PROVIDES ANY PERSON INTERESTED IN PRISON REFORM WITH FIRST PERSON ACCOUNTS OF LIFE IN AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.