Prison Overcrowding, another form of punishment
Prison overcrowding has become the number one issue as it pertains to prisons in Virginia. Undoubtedly this is because of Truth-In-Sentencing which has resulted in an increase from 18,000 in 1995 to approximately 40,000 present day. This is resulting in cruel and unusual punishment due to lack of resources, and an inability to provide for the needs of the prisoners. Inadequate medical care, dental care, mental health care, food service, and education has taken a back seat to
What a letter could mean, some thoughts
I'm confined to a world behind four walls, where nobody See's me and nobody calls, yes I know I'm here.. I live each and everyday to see the other side, often I pray if one in there right mind would trade places with me, they'd see how cold and lonely four walls can be. I dream at night of far away places. But I still wake to see the same strange faces, often I sleep and wake up alarmed in fear that my family and friends have been harmed. Just dreams I admit as I come to my s
"La Tergiversacin de Etnica y Raza en el VADOC"
A summary from our recent Jailhouse Scholars class on the issue of immigrant prisoners. Hola y bendiciones a todos los interesados en la comunidad hispana.
Por casi más de 15 años, los Hispanos incluyendo: latinos, latino americanos, sudamericanos, y caribeños han sido engañados por el sistema correccional en 13 estados incluyendo Virginia con respecto a sus razas, por lo cual clasifican hispanos como blancos sin la autorización de esa persona. Bastantes explicaciones han s
Mass Incarceration, Truth-In-Sentencing and the Domino Effect
Truth-in-Sentencing has caused a domino effect of oppression that prisoners and their families are feeling far beyond being incarcerated for extremely long periods of time. The present conditions of Augusta Correctional Center are prime examples of what mass incarceration can do.
Originally when Augusta was built in the 80's it held single cell occupants. After Truth-in-Sentencing laws were adopted by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 which abolished parole, established
Making Money off of Prisoners
Before the overcrowding of the facility the food was much better, but now over 1300 prisoners have to be fed, so corners are being cut, and the worst/cheapest food is being served. Also, it does not help that the Food Service Manager, Ms. Puckett, is always striving to stay under budget of what is allocated for food so that she can obtain a bonus at the end of the year. Over years and years of consuming the worst quality food it often leads to health complications. This in tu
