A CALL FOR UNDERSTANDING

I'm sure you are aware of the incident at River North Correctional Center that resulted in the death of an officer by an inmate. The violence between officers and offenders is starting to rise. I don't condone any form of violence against either party or person at all. To my knowledge and understanding, from doing five years as a teen to the ten years I've been down now, I see a lack of respect and understanding on both sides.

Whenever you are dealing with people, you must have some kind of understanding. I am not a saint, but I have dedicated my life to change, peace, and the upliftment of all children. Most people I'm around are on meds and have some kind of mental health issues. Some staff try not to be disrespectful, but from my observation, they also suffer a toll on their mental health. There is a gap in communication between the two of us. I am only one of 2,000 some offenders on my compound, but I would like to voice my opinion to make a change and a safer environment for offenders and staff.

I have been shot by staff, etc., and every situation was due to a lack of communication and reasoning. I was taught through my journey that you can only cause confusion among the confused, and understanding is the absence of all confusion. I leave you with the highest form of understanding -- peace!

Marlo Hall (Wallens Ridge State Prison)

Note: When Mr. Hall describes being shot, he is referring to the use of rubber bullets that are deployed when a line is crossed. See: https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/vadoc-ombudsman-investigation-red-onion/