Guards Inadequate; Inmates In Control (Press, 20 February 1971)

In a feature published on 20 February 1971, a stark examination of the United States prison system reveals a troubling reality regarding the treatment of inmates. The article highlights the ongoing debate about whether prisons primarily serve rehabilitative or punitive purposes. While it acknowledges that rehabilitation efforts are lacking, it indicates a disturbing trend where punishment often dominates the prison experience. This punitive approach, the article argues, is largely driven not by the prison authorities but by the inmates themselves, who create a perilous environment. The narrative outlines the extreme violence and sexual assaults prevalent in facilities, notably detailing incidents in Washington, D.C., where young white men are frequently subjected to brutal initiation rituals known as "blanket parties." In these assaults, newcomers are attacked and raped by gangs upon entering the prison system, exacerbated by insufficient staffing and inadequate supervision. Evidence presented from a Philadelphia investigation shows that such aggressive sexual assaults are widespread across various prisons, disproportionately affecting young men charged with minor offences. Moreover, women's prisons are not free from such misconduct, with accounts of complicity among prison staff. In one instance, a female director was accused of inappropriate behaviour, highlighting the troubling dynamics within these institutions that often go unchecked. The article further explores systemic corruption, detailing how drugs are smuggled into prisons and sold at inflated prices, with complicity from guards. Inmates exploit weaknesses in the system, and graft appears rampant, impacting everything from food provisions to prison transfers, as money becomes a means for inmates to navigate the brutal realities of prison life. Public ignorance about these issues is a recurring theme, driven by the general populace's preference to remain uninformed about the operations behind prison walls. Prison officials have created an environment where communication is heavily censored, and inmates are often unable to report mistreatment without fear of retaliation. Legislative efforts, such as a newly enacted law in California that allows inmates to send uncensored letters to state legislators, are introduced to increase transparency and oversight within the prison system. The piece concludes with a call for awareness regarding the treatment of inmates and the conditions within the U.S. prison system, urging the public and lawmakers to confront these stark realities and ensure proper checks on prison administrations.

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