The justice system in Oklahoma is not set up to help reform people, but rather, to break them. From the point one enters County jail, through trial and when- not if -one is found guilty and sent to prison, they are denied most of their human dignity. Countless stories of almost inhumane conditions exist.
When a prisoner is first processed, they are given clothes that have been recycled countless times, and rarely fit. They are typically not given a phone call. Many times, it’s up to the family to find them. They are put into a small cell, often with a mat and a blanket, but many times not. No pillow is given. The cell is small, with barely enough room to stand, arms outstretched. In summer, its oppressively hot; like being locked in a car with the windows up. In winter, its brutality cold. Most jails and prisons have bedbugs, which infect everyone with whatever disease is prevalent at the time. Cockroaches scurry around, unafraid. Food is almost nonexistent. Prisoners are required to be fed, but the food is not nutritious, and there is never enough. People “sell” their trays for drugs and more. This trend continues through Receiving, where new prisoners are processed, and on into the yard, where prisoners will serve their sentence.
By the time one makes it to prison, many times they are already broken. The physical demands can be overcome, but the mental demands combined with the physical conditions break most men. Guards are uncaring, and many times will openly mock prisoners. This opens the door for other prisoners to join in. The constant threat of violence looms heavy throughout the process. Each person, even if they are scared, depressed, or afraid, must walk with air of confidence; even if it isn’t felt. Any sign of weakness gives other prisoners the chance to manipulate the situation for their own gain.
Prisoners live in a heightened state of awareness, constantly vigilant of what is going on around them. When they talk to family, they are always being monitored; both by guards and by nearby inmates. Speaking freely is rarely an option. Further, when they can speak freely, family and friends wont understand what the prisoner is going through. Prisoners are essentially utterly alone, even though they are surrounded by a sea of people.Â
As days turn to weeks and into months, this emptiness and pain grows. Its the mental torture that breaks most people. Families break up. Spouses file for divorce. People die. Meanwhile, nothing can be done but wait. The prisoners find ways to cope.
As prisons get more and more crowded, conditions get worse. Inmates barter with one another; which causes fights, and in some cases, hospitalization or death. They gamble, and turn to drugs as a way to escape. Many times, the underpaid guards are in on it; making extra money in their illegal side hustles. Very few escape prison without having some experience in these activities. None escape without significant trauma.
Most prisoners are not violent. They have addictions that they can’t kick, have mad e a mistake, or are falsely convicted on little to no evidence.Â
There has to be a better way. With technology, tools exist that help monitor and truly reform individuals without incarceration. Those who really need to be incarcerated need prions that focus on reform and redemption, rather than inhumane punishment.
