Introduction
One of the most well-known and notorious prisons in the US is Rikers Island. The prison in New York City is the biggest correctional complex in the nation and houses thousands of prisoners. The prison has a lengthy and complicated history; several documentaries, books, and films have been made about it, including the well-known television program “Lock-Up: The Prisoners of Rikers Island.” This essay will examine a number of crucial prison aspects portrayed in “Lock-Up.”
How Officers Maintain Order in the Prison
Officers at Rikers Island employ several tactics to achieve the difficult but necessary task of maintaining order in a jail. One crucial tactic is using a hierarchical system in which officers are assigned defined tasks and responsibilities and are held accountable for upholding order within their duty areas. The use of force, imposition of stringent rules and regulations, deployment of surveillance and monitoring technologies, and other physical and psychological measures are all used by officials to maintain order.
Program Profiles in Everyday Jail Activities
The daily activities of the Rikers Island jail include a range of program profiles. These involve educational initiatives like GED classes and career development courses, as well as behavioral and mental health initiatives like anger management and drug management. Programs like job training and placement programs also assist inmates’ preparation for release and reintroduction into society. These initiatives aim to increase inmates’ prospects of success after release by helping them develop new skills and overcome obstacles in their personal lives.
Special Cells in the Prison: Types and Functions
On Rikers Island, there are various specific cells; one of them, “The Box,” is used to house inmates who are deemed to be very disruptive or dangerous. A solitary confinement cell called “The Box” was created to reduce contact between inmates and guards. The “Restrictive Housing Unit” (RHU), another particular cell, is designed to house inmates who are deemed to be extremely dangerous or disruptive and who require protection from the general public. These specific cells’ living conditions are thought to be more challenging than those of the available population cells, and access to services and activities is constrained.
Living Conditions of Prisoners at Rikers Island
Prisoners’ rights activists, inmates, and officials have criticized living conditions at Rikers Island. Overcrowding is a major issue at the prison, with many cells designed to hold just a few inmates, having as many as 20 or more. This leads to cramped and unsanitary living conditions, with limited access to basic necessities such as clean water, toilets, and showers. The lack of space also makes it difficult for inmates to move around, exercise, and even sleep comfortably.
Additionally, many prisoners are subjected to physical and psychological abuse by other prisoners and staff. This abuse can range from bullying and intimidation to more severe forms of violence, such as sexual assault and beatings. These conditions can significantly impact inmates’ mental and physical health, leading to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic disease.
The lack of proper medical care is also a significant concern on Rikers Island. Inmates often have to wait long periods to see a doctor or nurse, and the care they receive is often inadequate. This can lead to untreated illnesses and injuries, which can have severe consequences for the health and well-being of inmates.
Furthermore, the lack of mental health services is also a significant issue in Rikers Island, with many inmates suffering from untreated mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Overall, the living conditions on Rikers Island are considered to be inhumane and violative of the prisoners’ rights. Due to this, many reformers and activists have been calling for changes to improve inmates’ living conditions and rehabilitation opportunities.
Significant Aspects of Corrections in “Lock-Up”
The stark reality of the prison system and its effects on inmates is the critical feature of corrections that “Lock-Up” effectively conveys. The program emphasizes the unfavorable and frequently harsh conditions that inmates are subjected to, as well as the numerous difficulties they encounter while attempting to comply with the system’s confusing and often arbitrary rules and regulations. The program also emphasizes the multiple services and programs that are offered to convicts, such as job training and placement assistance, behavioral and mental health treatments, and educational services. Ultimately, the program highlights the significance of correctly giving inmates the gifts and tools they require to reintegrate into society after release.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rikers Island is a complicated facility that houses thousands of prisoners regularly. The jail is renowned for its challenging living circumstances and the numerous obstacles that inmates must overcome to function inside the prison system. Despite these problems, the jail provides a range of services and activities to assist inmates in developing new skills, resolving personal issues, and being ready for release and reintegration into society. The documentary “Lock-Up: The Prisoners of Rikers Island” sheds light on the harsh realities of prison life and how they affect inmates. It serves as an example of the significance of giving inmates the assistance and tools they require to reintegrate into society after their release correctly.