“We must not forget that when every material improvement has been effected in prisons, when the temperature has been rightly adjusted, when the proper food to maintain health and strength has been given, when the doctors, chaplains and prison visitors have come and gone, the convict stands deprived of everything that a free man calls life. We must not forget that all these improvements, which are sometimes salves to our consciences, do not change that position.

The mood and temper of the public in regard to the treatment of crime and criminals is one of the most unfailing tests of the civilisation of any country. A calm and dispassionate recognition of the rights of the accused against the state, and even of convicted criminals against the state, a constant heart-searching by all charged with the duty of punishment, a desire and eagerness to rehabilitate in the world of industry all those who have paid their dues in the hard coinage of punishment, tireless efforts towards the discovery of curative and regenerating processes, and an unfaltering faith that there is a treasure, if you can only find it, in the heart of every man these are the symbols which in the treatment of crime and criminals mark and measure the stored-up strength of a nation, and are the sign and proof of the living virtue in it.”

What an inspiring exhortation!

What further tireless efforts can we make towards the discovery of curative and regenerating processes for prisoners?

Much seems to have changed for the better since then. However, there are a number of problems which seem to persist – both in the US and here in the UK.

One of the most pernicious of these problems is that someone with little propensity for violence before prison is likely to discover that pre-emptive violence may be the best way to protect their interests in prison. Jack Abbott highlights this tendency towards offence as the best form of defence in prison throughout “In the Belly of the Beast”.

There is much talk of prisons being universities of crime. This description may evoke images of prisoners discussing safe-cracking and money laundering techniques. Hardly an ideal outcome for society.

How much worse though is the issue that prison may turn non-violent people into aggressors? Having learned to rely on violence for survival in prison, what is to stop the hardened prisoner relying on aggression following release?

Yet another reason why prison sentences for non-violent offences are such a disaster for society, in addition to their excessive costs and – in the majority of cases – failure to rehabilitate.

Anyone have any experience of how prisoners are prepared for release in the UK? Please let readers know by posting a comment below.

You can see a short video about the programme below:

If this worthwhile programme piques your interest, why not check out some of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit’s other programmes on their website like their youth training programme in partnership with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (http://www.goodwilldetroit.org/programs/ben-and-jerrys.aspx#).