Does Jail Change People for the Better? Insights from an Ex-Offender

From the perspective of many ex-cons, the experience of incarceration is often portrayed as a negative one, a period where valuable time is wasted and life opportunities are squandered. However, through the eyes of one individual who has repeatedly found themselves in prison, we explore how jail can actually change people for the better.

Challenges in Employment and Reincarceration

Consider the following scenario:

Applicant: I would like a job. H.R.: Sorry, you’re a former prisoner. Applicant: I need a job to support my family. H.R.: Sorry, you’re a former prisoner. Applicant: How am I supposed to stay out of crime if your corporation denies former prisoners a job? H.R.: Let me tell you the universal policy of all corporations: Sorry, you’re a former prisoner. Later, H.R. exclaims, “Honey, I’m home! What’s this? Have we been burgled? Somebody needs to do something about this crime rate!”

This interaction highlights the common challenge faced by individuals re-entering society after serving time in prison. The discriminator is not only about the past mistakes but also the perceived future threat to society, as exemplified by H.R.'s concerns.

Perspectives from Jail

One individual, having served time for trespassing in 1991, found themselves back in prison repeatedly, each time meeting various individuals involved in different criminal activities. After being released the first time, he was introduced to meth dealers who provided him with his first ounce, and he never looked back.

The atmosphere inside jail is described as transformative. Inmates in maximum security facilities have very little to do, leading to a monotonous schedule with bright lights and limited interaction. Even a routine like 'trays up' at 3 AM can change one's perception. The experience of having freedom taken away and seeing the outside world continue without you can fundamentally alter one's view of life and freedom.

The Impact of Time Served

According to personal experience, the length of time served appears to significantly impact the transformative effect. Individuals sentenced to longer terms, such as years and decades, often show significant progress in their lives, including changes in behavior and better decision-making skills. Those who serve shorter terms, like two years or less, tend to make no remarkable improvements.

For instance, the individual mentioned was sentenced to 18 months. Upon arrival, most programs available to inmates were not open to him due to his short sentence. This raises the question of why invest in comprehensive job and life skills training for someone who might not re-enter society, when such training could still benefit those who ultimately do.

The Need for Equitable Resources

One of the greatest challenges is the disparity in resources available to inmates based on the length of their sentences. Programs designed to help individuals integrate back into society are often closed to those with shorter terms, despite these individuals potentially benefiting the most from such support.

There is a need for a more equitable distribution of resources. By providing access to these rehabilitation programs for all inmates, regardless of the length of their sentences, we can potentially reduce reincarceration rates and improve the chances of success for these individuals in the real world.

In conclusion, while the immediate effects of incarceration may feel negative, the long-term impact can be positive, especially for those who serve longer sentences. By addressing the systemic issues surrounding resource allocation and support for short-term inmates, we can work towards a more rehabilitative and equitable system.