Ismael Nazario: What I learned as a kid in jail

TL;DR

The culture of violence in prisons needs to change, especially for young inmates - New York is one of only two states that automatically arrests and tries 16- to 17-year-olds as adults.

Transcript

We need to change the culture in our jails and prisons, especially for young inmates. New York state is one of only two in the U.S. that automatically arrests and tries 16- to 17-year-olds as adults. This culture of violence takes these young people and puts them in a hostile environment, and the correctional officers pretty much allow any and ever... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏢 The culture in jails and prisons, especially for young inmates, needs to change.
• 🛠️ New York state should raise the age of criminal responsibility to 18 to protect young people from a hostile and damaging environment.
• 💔 Solitary confinement is mentally, physically, and emotionally damaging for inmates, particularly teens.
• 👮 Correctional officers need proper training on how to deal with young inmates and those with mental health issues.
• 📚 Better programming, such as art therapy and music programs, can help rehabilitate young inmates and provide them with positive outlets.
• ⚠️ The culture of violence and proving toughness in jails is dangerous for young people and should be addressed.
• 💡 Young inmates should be mentored and given insight to make positive changes before reentering society.
• 🌟 Education and staying in school are crucial for young people to avoid a cycle of recidivism and make a positive life transition.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the current culture in jails and prisons for young inmates in New York state?

The culture in jails and prisons for young inmates in New York state is characterized by violence, hostility, and a lack of opportunities for talent enhancement and rehabilitation.

Q: What is the impact of the current culture on young inmates?

The current culture in jails and prisons for young inmates leads to increased anger, frustration, and feelings of hopelessness. It does not contribute to their rehabilitation or help them in any positive way.

Q: How do correctional officers contribute to the culture in jails and prisons?

Correctional officers are regular people who come from the same neighborhoods as the inmates they serve. However, their behavior often perpetuates the problematic culture. They engage in activities such as flirting, playing games, gossiping, and even fighting with the inmates.

Q: What role do correctional officers play in the lives of young inmates?

Correctional officers have a significant influence on the lives of young inmates during their time in jail or prison. They interact with them on a daily basis and can act as mentors if given the proper training. However, currently, their interactions often contribute to the negative culture.

Q: What changes need to be made to improve the situation for young inmates in jails?

The age of criminal responsibility should be raised to 18 to ensure that young inmates are not treated as adults. Additionally, proper training should be provided to correctional officers to help them deal with adolescent and mental health populations. Mentoring programs and better programming options should also be implemented to help enhance the lives of young inmates and reduce recidivism.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• New York state automatically arrests and tries 16- to 17-year-olds as adults, which creates a culture of violence in jails, causing harm to young inmates.

• The lack of programs and rehabilitation options for young inmates exacerbates the situation and increases the likelihood of recidivism.

• Correctional officers need proper training to understand how to effectively deal with the adolescent population and provide mentorship to help these young people make a positive change in their lives.