Pray For Me(Song from Boosie Badazz)”

There has been much to do, when holding one’s self accountable. I’ve sat and witnessed the many, become victims
to the very environment that’s meant to be productive and rehabilitative. With understanding, I’ve asked myself, if the
inhumane actions done to individuals incarcerated, resemble the same inhumane treatments of individuals who are
in society? I ask myself and God, does the tears and cries of the downtrodden, matter, even though we’ve made the
mistakes that landed us in these unfortunate set of circumstances?

I can’t speak to the mistreatment of the incarcerated, without speaking to the mistreatment of the staff who are in the
trenches with us. My rationale for this expression, is to see and recognize the lacking of Human decency, as it
pertains to ALL PEOPLE; even the Men and Women who work to earn a livable wage…they are also victims of the
Carceral System, as it creates the traumas that often goes unnoticed or unconsidered.
These People…these Men; Women; Sons; Daughters; Fathers; and Mothers, have been hard pressed to do the
right thing, as it aligns with the Human Spirit. In all honesty, I’ve had Staff, care enough about me than the
inhabitants who live around me; those who’re within the exact same position and experiencing the same conditions.
I’ve had Staff and Inhabitants of this environment, care enough about each other, from a humanity stand point, that it
establishes a fondness and respect for the people they are. But it’s too often, that such truths and behaviors are
misrepresented as “Fraternization”, because the respectful smiles and treatments of an individual incarcerated, goes
against the identity of what the Imprisonment of Human Beings has always been.

On August 16, 2024, Greensville Correctional Center, was so short of staff, that they couldn’t manage the regular
issues that are necessary for Housing the Men here. My Unit Manager showed so much strength and
fortitude, while enduring the overwhelming stress of being the Unit Manager, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Floor Officer,
and the floating officer, to ensure that the Officers who worked in the building, were able to have the necessary
breaks. I watched this Woman; this Mother; this Concerned and Professional Person, look Beat Down; Bruised;
Defeated and Unconsidered.
I watched as the choice swirled in the conscious mind of an overworked; overlooked and unappreciated employee.
The unfortunate circumstances, made a Mother have to choose between being a “professional oppressor”, due to
the many unaddressed issues, that makes one choose their profession, over being Mothers; Fathers; and Human
Beings. I watched as adjustments had to be made, as a result of a staff shortage, which couldn’t allow a Mother to
go home, at the respectable hour to pick up her child. I watched her shoulder the burden of the World and the
Heavens, only to become a victim of the lazy mentality, of those who are in authority over Her or work alongside her,
in this environment.
This is not an essay to point fingers or name names. But what has become true from the past, up to now, is that
there’s no accountability of those issues that are often great sound bites or article fillers. Frankly, there is no
Humanized treatment of the staff or the residents of this institution. The fraternal order of “Correctional Officers”, are
only working as the means to support their lives and their families, remaining unconcerned of who suffers the Mental
Strains; the Broken Families; as well as those Questions of one’s very own worth, within a much Bigger Human
Family.
There’s so many OUTSTANDING People, who are currently employed here, at Greensville Correctional Center, that
are leaving here, in order to work at Lawrenceville Correctional Center. One of the best People, who’s a Unit Manager of the Reentry Building and Army Veteran is also leaving. She has always been the proper example of a Good Person; a Great Manager of any and all affairs, that addresses the issues of people… if
their jumping ship, what does that say about the environment and the people who manage/control it, as an overall.
Those are just a few of the people who are losing their own humanity, due to the expectation of separating their humanity from their occupation. They have relied heavily, on those of us, who has made the choice to work towards
Building Bridges and Mending Fences. Yes, those Bridges takes effort and time, but when there’s no efforts put towards the action, which leads to solutions, we fail at the proper outcomes we’re trying to gain.

This next expression is very close to me, and that’s because it speaks to the excessive force, utilized, without having clear and present evidence, to justify such force or the order of that force, being utilized. Please know that I compose this, at a risk of being viewed differently; handled differently; as well as treated differently. But I WILL NOT sit around and allow the very nature of People, to be disrupted, corrupted, or looked at with a biasness, that can’t be shown out of uniform, as it is displayed while in the uniform. Meaning…if you have an ulterior motive, towards the
population of incarcerated Men and Women, then state it; embrace; and outwardly display it, for the Free World to see, as well as the incarcerated one, to know and accept. {NOTE: This is to speak to the Mentality of the environment and how such a Mentality, has not only risked the lives
of people, but the very Humanity that separates the People from animals}. As I am held to the standard of a Human Being first, and Man second; how is it fair and decent, to absolve the Staff Officials of such a standard? So this is
just a few of the Inhumane treatments that’s occurring, within these Imprisoning facilities.}

Alfonso “Ghaza” Skyles (aka. Quillz) (#1134129)

Greensville Correctional Center

Why does the Shortage of Correctional Officers exist?

In order to understand the effects that the shortage of Correctional Officers is having on the life of the imprisoned, we must first understand: why does the shortage of Correctional Officers exist?

Wherein, lies the rub:
Obviously, there has been a paradigm shift in the collective consciousness of America, when it comes to accepting employment as a Correctional Officers: and paradigm shifts’ are no more than the mind -by way of- the conscience, evolving from one moral stage to the next. Therefore, it appears that the “amoral” lifestyle of a Correctional Officer, stands in Stark Contrast to the moral and ethical growth and development of this conscious oriented America we find ourselves living in these days – for, not only doe’s such a career choice leave’s the mind and consciousness stained with unfavorable memories ( i.e. PTSD ) but, for those who relegates’ themselves to the retirement line, more often than not they find themselves searching for another job, just to make end’s meet, therefore, I surmise low wage’s can also be a contributing factor.

Anyway, the question becomes:
How do the lack of moral consciousness within the staff, rather short or full, effect the prisoner therein? Well, it’s akin to the blind leading the blind, for, how can a Correctional Officer teach or learn an inmate what they don’t know and vice versa: therefore, when I hear inmates mimicking the shortage of Staff, effects; the freedoms and liberties within the prison, such as; Visitation, Recreation, Vocational Programs……. etc. I just mentally shake my head in silence, because, these are the obvious tears of the blind, who, can’t see pass their own incompetence, thereby, trying to appear intelligent in their mimicking of the aforesaid.

And, as not to be misunderstood, I’m not advocating anti-social behavior when it comes to taking advantage of said freedoms and liberties within the prison: Quite the contrary, for, by all means please amass all of the trades and programs….. etc. that you can amass, for, these are the fundamental accomplishments that you don’t want to be a hindrance when it comes time to go home.

However, and at the same time I’m also trying to impart to the Inmates, DOC can’t teach you how to become a man, therefore, please stop waiting on teaching/instructions on how to become a man, especially from a person whom has never seen or looked upon you as a man. Look, I am a staunch believer in self-reliance and Self-discipline and that through such attributes, he who apply themselves can accomplish anything (within reason) that they set their mind to. Therefore, irrespective of the number of officers or staff, the direction of ones choices ultimately rest upon the individual, as it pertains to what you are trying to contribute to this life, because, it is absolutely through what you put into this life that will determine how life responds to you.
Therefore, in addition to amassing said fundamental accomplishments, you must learn to continue to educate yourself beyond your own expectations. (autodidact). Because, it is 99.9% likely more than not, that the job you secure upon your release will not have any resemblance to your fundamental prison accomplishments.

And just one more philosophical thing to add to your studies:
Pay attention to that inner voice of consciousness, for, the best teacher is within, with the understanding that the knowledge imparted therefrom, is also being imparted to other students of the like. therefore consciousness is sharing and sharing is consciousness.

In closing and from an analytical perspective, I would just like to add:
The life of a Correctional officer has been devolving into this stage of decadence for a minute now – and now the powers that be are desperately searching for a panacea to a problem that they have – (through perpetual greed) – created upon themselves, which, they are not now understanding, that as the prisons continue to evolve, the algorithm seed of greed and hate has taking on a life of it’s own, thereby, in it’s wake creating a prison environment that has never been needed for breaking the hardest of the hardest, and thereby, slowly and silently absorbing any attractive features of incentives that, at one time may have possessed the job of a Correctional Officer, prior to this critical stage of decadence said job now finds its self in.
However, it appears DOC., is of the erroneous opinion of, thinking that the hiring of poor English speaking people from oppressed geographical locations around the globe is the answer: and nothing can be further away from the truth, for, quite the contrary, this quick fix hiring scheme is only going to exacerbate -(if not already)- the future of decadence – for – the conscience has no choice but to be true to itself, therefore, the question of morality becomes: how do one whom is running from being oppressed; reconcile becoming the oppressor?

And please let it be understood: he who lives contrary to the truth inexorably becomes a cynic.
As not to let this analytical interpretation on behalf of DOC take away from the topic of discussion, I’ll share the following advice with DOC: Employ more classes on human-relations for staff and try treating all people with a little more of humanity and kindness, also revisit your Correctional Officer and Inmate Pay scale’s with a little more of everything, thereby, marketing your brand in accordance therewith.

And to my fellow inmates, make sure its top notch, cream of the crop, because, this is how BBB Rock.

A. Cameron(# 1172733)
Beaumont Correction Center

Understaffing’s Effect on Recreation

Understaffing is a huge problem in corrections that affects not just the inmates, but their families and correctional officers. The impact, however, upon inmates is by far the one most felt, and most ignored.

I have seen understaffing prevent inmates from getting recreation. For long periods of time, I have seen inmate populations forced to stay indoors simply because a facility doesn’t have enough officers to supervise inmates on the rec yard. This, of course, denies inmates the opportunity to properly exercise. It denies them the opportunity to get clean, fresh air and sunshine. These denials, then, help lead to an unhealthy inmate population. Sedentary inmates develop a plethora of physical ailments. They have high blood pressure, heart problems, prostate issues, hemorrhoids, and many other diseases. They also develop many psychological issues. Depression is a huge problem amongst inmates. These psychological issues, then, lead to suicide, drug abuse, and assaults on other inmates, correctional officers, and staff members. Oh, and don’t forget, taxpayers are the ones who ultimately fit the bill for all of this. Their tax money goes to pay for correctional officers who transport inmates to and from doctor visits. Their tax money goes to pay for the gas needed to transport inmates. And their tax money goes to pay for the medical staff that is necessary to care for an unhealthy inmate population.

I have seen understaffing cause other inmates to have to provide emergency medical care for other inmates. On two separate occasions, I have seen an inmate suffer a grand mal seizure and other inmates have had to provide emergency medical care until staff could be summoned to help. On one occasion, the inmate suffering the seizure had actually stopped breathing and was in serious danger of death. I have also seen inmates denied medical care from the Medical Department because of understaffing. Recently, I saw an inmate denied an EKG because there wasn’t enough medical staff to administer it. However, I have also seen inmates denied sick call and other services due to understaffing as well.

I have seen understaffing lead to a lack of supervision in housing units. Due to the lack of sufficient staffing, I have seen inmates locked in cells where they have no way to contact staff for hours at a time. During these times, quite often, no staff members have been able to make security rounds to check on the safety and security of inmates. This leaves inmates in serious jeopardy should an emergency occur. It also leaves inmates to fend for themselves in the event of an attack from another inmate. Now I know most of the time, if not all, security rounds are logged in the logbook at facilities. However, a simple check of the camera footage will clearly show that security rounds are not made the way policy dictates.

Finally, I have seen how understaffing affects the overall condition of a prison. There are some very good staff members at most facilities. These are men and women who truly seek to do their jobs well. However, most of these people find themselves being overworked and burnout in time. At that point, they simply quit and make the understaffing problem worse, or they give up and start behaving like most of the other staff members who could care less about the inmate population.

I understand understaffing is a major problem for many institutions. I also understand that certain steps must be taken when dealing with understaffing. However, placing your inmate population at risk or punishing your inmate population should never be acceptable. What rehabilitative message do you send your inmate population when you punish them for something that is not their fault? What rehabilitative message do you send your inmate population when you fail to provide for their overall safety and security due to your failure to properly man your institution?

Travis Sorrells, #1095956
Haynesville Correctional Center

Understaffing in Women’s Correctional Facilities

The epidemic of understaffing is growing rapidly. For as long as I’ve been incarcerated, since July of 2020, the staffing issue is getting worse not only in prisons but in jails as well. The first jail I was housed at held no compassion whatsoever. It was filthy, biased, and inhumane. The guards decided to pick and choose what they paid attention to. When situations were important, they were nowhere to be found. A girl was dragged around and beat up in an open dorm for forty five minutes while another girl screamed at the top of her lungs yet no guards came for hours. This is one of the many examples I experienced just from my first year in jail, whether it was due to negligence or understaffing I’ll never know. It’s an issue that needs to be addressed. Once I got transferred to prison, I truly understood the crisis. From nurses to officers to counselors, they are all overworked and it affects our daily lives as much as theirs. A recent incident drives this point home and I believe everyone needs to hear it.

On Saturday, May 18th, around 8 in the morning, in my building, a girl that I’ve known for two years now, cut another girls arm wide open with a blade. The sole reason is that she is a schizophrenic, among other issues, in general population with too many triggers and not enough help for her. She is a highly intelligent individual. She’s had outbursts before, suicidal threats, episodes, etc. She has been housed in acute/mental health after past incidents then released back into population, which has made her a danger to not only herself but others for obvious reasons. She had no beefs with this girl. This other girl had just come from intake and had been minding her business at a table in the day room doing arts and crafts. The intake had asked this lady how she was and maybe that made her a target. Ultimately, anyone could have been. Something triggered her to do what she did and the intake had to go to the hospital to get eleven stitches. It could have been a lot worse. Both of these girls are victims as well as the many others who witnessed the incident. Later that day, the building attempted to hold a peaceful protest in the chow hall during lunch because this incident was the final straw for many and needs attention. There are no mental health counselors on staff during the weekend. Why is that? We don’t have staff to support the need for on call weekend shifts. So, the initial answer from administration is to lock up the individuals in segregation that were part of the protest because it’s actually considered “inciting a riot.” They didn’t even know the whole situation, once they did then they decided against seg. We incarcerated are instantly in the wrong just because we want change and have to show out for what we want or need and there’s no other way. I have actually heard from a counselor that they don’t have enough staff to see everyone that wants/needs to be seen.

THAT’S A PROBLEM! The understaffing crisis makes our living environment even tougher to navigate. Just human warehouses to stuff us in by numbers and lowest status possible. We must look after one another and work harder to keep us afloat and safe. This environment is so much for self. It truly needs unity. There are many that do go against the grain and establish so much change as well as rehabilitation. They are resilient against all odds. The system needs revival and staff to make changes. There are plenty of opportunities coming about after the Covid hit, only we need staff to operate these things. These matters need the spotlight to bring about differences in prisons all across the nation.

My name is Jennifer Zukerman. (DOC #2080583) I am currently housed at Fluvanna Correctional center for Women.

The Nation’s Correctional Staffing Crisis: The Toll on Incarcerated People

Recently, the editor of Brilliance Behind Bars was called before the U.S. Senate to give testimony on the understaffing crisis effecting prisons nationwide. She represented our interests with great compassion and much needed perspective. It is now our turn to support her efforts with our own experiences and insights. Let’s allow the public a real glimpse into our struggle as incarcerated people living in a prison understaffed…

For decades, prison has been held as an institution designed to mete out punishment to “evil-doers.” As time has progressed, so too did the caricature of the inhuman prisoner within the social conscience of the public. This depiction has led to a dangerous lack of concern for prisoner security, treatment, and adequate staffing to conduct daily, essential operations.

In the wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic, no areas of industry was left unscathed by understaffing issues. But there is a stark difference between the need for fast food service workers to tighten up lapses between combo meals served to various customers and the need for correctional staff to maintain the order and operation of a coercive institution and its hundreds of long-term residents.

Correctional facilities are more akin to state hospital and nursing homes fundamentally, being that its residents are forced to stay in such facilities. Residents of these type of facilities are solely dependent on the facility to provide critical medical care and treatment programs designed to aid in social and psychological health and development.

Given that prisons are institutions filled with residents living in close quarter communities, lack of proper staff often leaves responsibilities of security and treatment to fall to the hands of other prisoners. I, myself, have even had to serve as an interim first responder during medical emergencies involving other incarcerated. Ironically, the institution has enacted policies to deter the incarcerated from lending aid to others, but have yet to solve the very real crisis of understaffing in prisons in this state and nationwide. Also worthy of recognition is the incarcerated community’s drive to create treatment programs amongst themselves in spite of the lack thereof provided by the facility.

It is well documented that some private corporations have exploited the widely accepted practice of understaffing prisons in order to increase their profit margins. Although, we cannot exclude the fact that this was made possible by governments diverting interest in funding prisons as institutions of rehabilitation, and opting to view prisons as human warehouses for the disadvantaged. This is a framing that is more favorable to the rhetoric on the economic benefit than actual social benefit. Also, it’s no secret that working in a prison isn’t the most desirable work environment.

2020 did not cause prisons to be dangerously understaffed. 2020 only unveiled a deep-rooted practice that has been the void of compassion for human life for over 25 years in the making. The current state of prisons in America are echoes of the prison ‘reforms’ of ’95. Thirty years later, we clearly see the product of debased political agendas and public susceptibility to crime-based propaganda. That is, mass incarceration, a nationwide prison understaffing crisis, and instability socially and economically.

Note: I do not wish to end this writing without stating how very proud I am of each and every one of the incarcerated who have utilized their time and effort seeking not only the rehabilitation of themselves, but also that of their fellow incarcerated. Each member of the incarcerated population was forced into this situation and have so much stacked up against them, but these individuals have maintained the strength in spirit and the depth of human will that is undeniably world-changing. I pray that each one of you find your freedom physically one day, because you have already achieved a level of freedom mentally that few will ever experience.

Your spirit is tried and your spirit is, without a shadow of a doubt, TRUE. You are the torchbearers–your light leads the way through some of the thickest darkness known to the civilized world…

Love and Peace,
Q

Prompt: As mentioned above, we want to know about your experiences. Feel free to free-write, or to use the thought starter questions below:
1. How has short staffing affected your livelihood as an incarcerated individual?
2. What do you think is the cause of understaffing of prisons nationwide?
3. Are there any highlights of positivity that you have witnessed during your incarceration in regards to staffing?