We've all heard the prison horror stories; violence, intimidation, a never-ending quest to preserve one's manhood. From the outside looking in, it is difficult to confirm or deny any of these accounts; however, just the thought of confinement would give most law-abiding citizens the willies. Whatever the situation that awaits an inmate on the inner-walls of prison, for many Marylanders, routine incarceration has become a way of life. Why is this? Why would anyone choose to be locked up in a cage, surrounded by the same sex, and ordered about by a proverbial baby-sitter time and again? For years, finger pointing has deadlocked analyst. Do you want the truth?
In addition to being an author and freelance writer, for the past ten years I have worked very closely with Maryland's prison system. As a bail bondsman, duly licensed in three states, I have seen first hand why the door of jail has, and always will revolve. For starters, an arrestees' access to freedom is far too immediate and convenient. It seldom if ever poses any financial discomfort to the accused. Their "one call" is typically made to tug at the heartstrings of loved-ones who frantically scrape together whatever resources he or she can to post bond. I have even seen money orders, previously made payable to a utility company, altered to become payable to a bail bondsman. These instances multiply during family oriented holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
A defendant becomes eligible for release almost immediately after being formally advised of the charges, court date (in some cases), and certain rights they have. A determination can also be made to release the defendant on his/her personal recognizance, in which case no bond is necessary. The advisory and decision-making comes from a District Court Commissioner, otherwise known as a Magistrate in certain states, during a brief hearing. Another serious problem, particularly in Baltimore City, is the courts' excessive application of leniency. Everyone deserves a bite of the apple, but no one should have cobbler oozing from their ears. It seems you literally have to commit murder in this town to get any significant jail time; and frankly, even that is questionable. In many instances, the decision of the court is a blatant disrespect and injustice to victims.
The textbook purpose of prison is to impose punishment and promote rehabilitation. Arguably, it does neither. Criminal rehabilitation begins with a transformation of the mind. As long as the thought pattern remains the same, the actions of an offender are not likely to waver. When a man finally does get far enough under the judges' skin to be sent to prison, he is detached from reality. Completely supported by the state, his days are structured, stomach is fed, and lights are on.
For this reason, it is not uncommon for a released offender to meet with difficulty readjusting to "civilization." Since conventional survival methods are unnecessary on the inside, many return with the mentality that the world owes them something. A fresh releasee, when seeking financial assistance, will typically begin a sentence with "You know I just came home." News Flash: The completion of jail time does NOT come with a severance package. But what are they really coming home to? Rent, gas & electric, child support? All the things they were shielded from in states' custody. Now comes a critical crossroad--are they to sink or swim? Man up, or go back to where things make sense?
How can we modify the thought patterns of repeat offenders and improve the quality of their lives? For starters, the Maryland State Division of Corrections should implement mandatory psychiatric evaluations by a licensed professional for any arrestee sentenced to six months or longer. Should the evaluation reveal the need for ongoing treatment, such treatment should also become mandatory and made readily available. Once inside the psyche of these individuals, cognitive therapy can be administered to aid their decision making. As it now stands, there is an Inmate Council program in effect within Maryland's prisons. Basically, these "counselors" are a select group of well behaved inmates, hand selected by correctional officers to assume the role of institutional consultant.
Is it just me, or would you have a serious reservation with employing the assistance of another man, faced with the identical perils as you? Talk about the blind leading the blind! Much like toilet tissue, sometimes it just doesn't pay to be thrifty. In addition, with many Maryland streets (among other things) in disrepair, every able-bodied inmate should be put to work on a daily basis, performing some form of public service. They should be modestly compensated, but all earnings should be deferred until their release date. By doing so, a releasee will have the benefit of a financial head start, and significantly reduce the pressure and disparity of being flat broke and dependent.
As a final suggestion, a post-release, community service based work pool should be established and maintained by the state of Maryland, catering to those sincerely desiring a new lease on life. For a man who is no stranger to the system, it does not take much for discouragement, financial responsibility and frustration to precipitate an illegal act for fast cash. It is not a rumor that employers avoid applicants with a less than perfect criminal record. Truthfully, can you blame them? Particularly those previously charged with crimes of violence, a very unsettling presence beclouds them. Would you want to give a man, once convicted of multiple homicide, a verbal warning for tardiness? Think about it.
Author/Journalist Valdez V. Fisher, Jr.
can be emailed at: BooksByValdez.aol.com
His new book, I Ain't Bitin' My Tongue
is available at: www.walmart.com
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
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