Inspecting U.S. Prisons: Does It Actually Improve Conditions for Prisoners?
When a U.S. prison is inspected, the results are often mixed, leaving many questions about whether these inspections truly benefit the prisoners. In this article, we will explore the real impact of inspections, drawing from personal experiences and broader discussions in the correctional system.
The Inspections Begin
During my time as a prisoner in Van Zandt County Jail in East Texas, for example, we were repeatedly told that an inspection was coming. This was no ordinary drill; everything from the uniforms to fire extinguishers was scrutinized. Cleaning details involved scouring nooks and crannies that hadn't been touched in years. For instance, I found an old pipechase log, the last entry dating from 2017, long before I became a prisoner in 2021.
The Inspection Day
On the day of the inspection, I performed my duties in a robotic fashion, feeling every step was being watched. When another officer signaled that the inspection team was approaching, I pretended to be busy. The inspection team, consisting of three plainclothes officers, a sergeant, and a captain, entered the maximum security pod watched by eighty-four inmates. The team was hesitant, only taking a few steps and pressing their backs against the farthest walls.
Behind the Scenes
Upon arriving, the team was directed to a cell where an inmate had covered the door with a sheet. Despite being told to remove it, the team seemed nervous, barely stepping inside the pod. The situation was tense, and it was clear that the actual state of the jail posed significant challenges.
Personal Experiences and Challenges
While in Van Zandt County Jail, I dealt with various issues. One night, I woke up covered in black beetles, which seemed to find me no matter where I went, even on the top bunk. A female inmate was bitten, suffering from severe swelling, yet the jail staff did nothing. Mold was another problem, with cobwebs and filth growing everywhere. The conditions were horrifying, and some inmates were hoping I would report the jail to the Jail Standards.
The Inspection Report
In my letter to the Jail Standards, I detailed the poor conditions we faced. However, the response I received was far from reassuring. The jail claimed that everything was fine and that there was no mold or bugs. This was a blatant lie. My fellow inmates were told that the jail would not change anything unless we complained further, exposing a system more interested in maintaining its reputation than in improving conditions.
Prison Inspections: A Double-Edged Sword
While inspections can raise awareness and address some issues, the reality is that many corrections facilities, particularly in rural areas, often do not prioritize the well-being of their inmates. The focus is often on maintaining a good public image rather than genuine improvements. As personal experiences underscore, the true impact of inspections on prison conditions remains questionable.
Ultimately, whether inspections truly benefit prisoners can be a matter of perspective and systemic change. While steps are taken, the underlying culture and priorities of corrections facilities must undergo significant transformation to ensure meaningful improvements.