Stop the cycle of crime and prison

We’ve all heard prison horror stories: violence, intimidation, a never-ending quest to preserve one’s manhood. From the outside looking in, it is difficult to confirm or deny any of these accounts. Just the thought of confinement would give most law-abiding citizens the willies. Still, for many Marylanders, incarceration has become a way of life. 

Why is this? Why would anyone choose to be locked up in a cage, surrounded by the same sex, and ordered about by a proverbial baby-sitter time and again?

Do you want the truth?

In addition to being an author and freelance writer, for the past 10 years I have worked very closely with Maryland’s prison system. As a bail bondsman, licensed in three states, I have seen firsthand why the door of jail has, and always will, revolve.

For starters, an arrestee’s access to freedom is far too immediate and convenient. It seldom if ever poses any financial discomfort to the accused. Their “one call” is typically made to tug at the heartstrings of loved ones who frantically scrape together whatever resources they can to post bond. I have seen money orders made out to a utility company altered to become payable to a bail bondsman. These instances multiply during family-oriented holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.

A defendant becomes eligible for release almost immediately after being formally advised of the charges, court date (in some cases), and rights they have. A determination can also be made to release the defendant on his or her personal recognizance, in which case no bond is necessary. The advisory and decision-making comes from a District Court commissioner during a brief hearing. 

Another serious problem, particularly in Baltimore, is the courts’ excessive leniency. 

Everyone deserves a bite of the apple, but no one should have cobbler oozing from their ears. It seems that you literally have to commit murder in this town to get any significant jail time, and frankly, even that is questionable. In many instances, the decision of the court is blatantly disrespectful and an injustice to victims.

The textbook purpose of prison is to impose punishment and promote rehabilitation. Arguably, it does neither. Criminal rehabilitation begins with a transformation of the mind. As long as the thought pattern remains the same, the actions of an offender are not likely to waver.

When a man finally does get far enough under the judge’s skin to be sent to prison, he becomes detached from reality. Completely supported by the state, his days are structured, stomach is fed, and lights are on.

For this reason, it is not uncommon for a released offender to meet with difficulty readjusting to “civilization.” Since conventional survival methods are unnecessary on the inside, many leave prison with the mentality that the world owes them something. A just-released former inmate seeking financial assistance will typically begin a sentence with, “You know, I just came home.”

Newsflash: The completion of jail time does NOT come with a severance package. But what are they coming home to? Rent, gas and electric, child support—all the things they were shielded from in state’s custody. Now comes a critical crossroad—are they to sink or swim, man up or end up back where things make sense to them?

How can we modify the thought patterns of repeat offenders and improve the quality of their lives? For starters, the Maryland State Division of Corrections should order mandatory psychiatric evaluations by a licensed professional for anyone sentenced to six months or longer.

Should the evaluation reveal the need for ongoing treatment, such treatment should become mandatory and readily available. Once inside the psyche of these individuals, cognitive therapy can be administered to aid their decision-making.

In addition, with many Maryland streets (among other things) in disrepair, every able-bodied inmate should be put to work on a daily basis, performing some form of public service.

They should be modestly compensated, but all earnings should be deferred until their release date. This would give them a financial head start and significantly reduce the pressure and disparity of being flat broke and dependent when released.

One final suggestion: A post-release, community service-based work pool should be established and maintained by the state for those sincerely desiring a new lease on life. For a man accustomed to prison, it does not take much for discouragement, financial responsibility and frustration to inspire an illegal act for fast cash.

Employers avoid applicants with a less than perfect criminal record. Can you blame them? In particular, a very unsettling presence beclouds those previously charged with violent crimes. Would you want to give a man, once convicted of multiple homicides, a spoken warning for tardiness?

Think about it. {EXA}

Valdez V. Fisher Jr. of Baltimore is the author of “I Ain’t Bitin’ My Tongue.” He can be reached at BooksbyValdez@aol.com.