Final exam

This will help answer the questions!

Discussion post by chapter

All in all, this was a very interesting documentary about Prison and the lives that it impacts. Some of the main similarities I see throughout the documentary is no support system. The ones who get lost in the system are the ones who usually doesn’t have anyone to help them to get them out of the system. Sometimes the best way to keep on the right path is guidance. Also, one of the major similarities I’ve notice is the community which plays a big role in one’s life. You gain the habits/mindset as those around you, for example Christel goes to school with nothing but criminals who cut schools, fail, doesn’t care about the rules. So that being around her, what do you think that will influence her to do? The same exact thing as the rest, it’s like a repeated cycle. Also, one major similarity I’ve done notice is, all the main characters just wants/seeks help, that’s likely one’s reason of acting out or acting a certain way in general. They’re doing certain things for attention and that attention they want is simply help. I believe we need to do better. We keep on overcrowding, paying billions of dollars we can’t afford just to lock up people who doesn’t need to be locked up. We can use that money to build rehab centers, or facilities that can help the people who are seeking the help (ones we angry with because they’ve taken the left turn but just want guidance in the end). I agree with this term because the only ones who should be incarcerated are the ones who are dangerous, murders, rapist, basically those we fear in society. But since your invested in the jails, you must keep the jails full, so in the law eyes doesn’t matter if you are just an addict you belong with the worst criminals. We need to do better; we need to understand who we need to incarcerate and who we need to provide the proper help to. Yes, the proximity of the jail being so close Beachwood Terrace plays a role because growing up Christel had to experience people being sent to jail. This played a big part in Christel life, living close to the jail, in situations of less Fortune/poverty. Somewhat of a city cycle you can call it in her eyes. Her community Beachwood Terrace had somewhat of a negative image in Christel eyes. From schooling, messing up, dropping out, having to go to court for school stems from her society. So, if her society impacted her life for school, acting out, imagine how Beachwood would play a role in her life as an adult and making adult decisions. You find that very small infractions becomes as infractions, if you don’t follow these rules you will be going to jail like your father, your uncle, your brother “your destiny”. On the other hand, Demetria has been through a lot in her life. 11 charges at the age 11 should speak on her community around her and how she was raised. In Beachwood you go through certain things that will affect you as a kid and can have an impact on your decisions. Demetria mother dying at a very young age due to gun violence how do you think that will impact a 9-year-old. From watching this video, you can tell Demetria has built up anger, hurt, aggression, all from her experience in her community. Whether the problems come from school, streets, home we want to do the all but just throw them in jail not even try to help them.

In chapter one of Convicted and Condemned (K.M. Middlemass) we are introduced to the theory of a felony conviction being a social disability. The author states that "some models of disability describe how individuals living with a disability experience feelings of "otherness ``''(p.26) and that the disabling effects of a felony permanently consign former offenders to the category of "otherness" " (p.27). A felony conviction can lead to the exclusion from society once the ex-offender is released from prison. Do you agree or disagree with this theory?

A felony conviction can lead to the exclusion from society once the ex-offender is released from prison for many different reasons like finding a home, job and in general fitting into society. A person perspective of one can change just from what paper states about ones past. Shows that you’re an exfelon for the crimes you’ve committed and instantly one’s point of view will change of you. Yes, absolutely this limits them to their participation in society which causes them to have a major setback, makes them feel only used for basic needs. Which then leads most to commit crimes because they only thing ones accepted to do is commit crime in their eyes (once a criminal always one)

Do the tough on crime agendas, the media and history contribute to the possibility of a felony conviction being a social disability? If so how and if not how?

Absolutely the media and history contribute to the possibility of a felony conviction being a social disability for many different reasons. When you turn on the news there’s daily bashing of criminals and how it should be punished. It’s basically trail by media, where the media basically convicts one’s act before the actually judge does so. News can be put repeatedly; news outlets are made to shame on one. As stated in the book “states, “with the media’s constant display of violent criminals on nightly news, the public wants to be secure from crime and the threat of crime” basically “public/society’’ wants to see the criminal be handle, we all jump to conclusions and that’s the bigger impact in social disability.

In the Motherhood and Crime (Roberts) article we are introduced to the theory that affirmative duties are placed on mothers therefore this can lead to a mother being tried and sentenced for a crime based on society's views of what a mother should do or not do. Does the theory of a felony conviction as a social disability affect mothers that are convicted of child abuse or neglect? If so, what are those effects?

Yes, I’m talking from personal family situations. Where my aunt was tried and convicted of child neglect and was taken from her family and did prison time. She came out a better person, cleaned her act after 5 years of being out and wanted to be a mom (correct her mistakes). The state looked at her from her past as a unfit mother just from her previous situations. Is prison supposed to correct what’s wrong an teach lesson? She can’t be a mother to the ones she gave birth to, can’t visit all because society stated her way of mothering isn’t proper even after she

served the time and corrected herself years later. Mothers are social disable to help themselves one labeling affect comes into play.

Lastly based on the article Motherhood and Crime (Roberts) do you think that criminal justice reforms should begin to look at how mothers are sentenced for crimes such as child abuse or neglect?

Yes, but not every situation is the same. Some situations where mothers are being sentenced to prison time due to some child neglect might be best solution possible. I tend to just go based off facts and what can be proved, so the question being asked is kind of tricky depending which side is asking it. Personally I’ve seen family members family break apart due to child neglect and some thought it was harsh but in the end it was the best outcome to be done. So honestly it just depends the matter at hand.

Does the county jail having free phones, bail bondsmen information on the tv screen in the holding cells and giving offenders 2 days to bail themselves out help or hurt the offender? Why or why not?

First in foremost absolutely the county jail having free phones, bail bondsmen information on the tv screen in the holding cells and giving offenders 2 days to bail themselves out definitely helps the offenders. For the most part the County jail tends to get over packed for the most important reason more that bonds out the more beds available for those who can't. The free phones is absolutely is a major plus for many reasons like being able to call as many people to bond you out and if you can't find no one you can use the phone to gain more information on bail bonds. Only downside to this is the time given, 2 days is pretty short for someone to come up with thousands of dollars especially like someone in Alex case, who doesn't really anyone around him with financial support. but overall I'm not much of a big fan of a persons criminal act and freedom depend on money and financial in life should.

Is there another option besides detaining them and encouraging them to bond themselves out?

In my opinion there is no other option besides detaining them and encouraging them to bond themselves out because its pretty simple, you commit the crime you will be penalized. Their giving the proper information needed, free phone, bail bonds information and 2 days. Like I said before I find the time 2 days unacceptable. if their was an other option it will be to increase the time table to be able to be bond out but then there are some cons to this. the biggest con from this will be that the jail will then become a much longer and crowder place because the longer the time they have the much more crowded the jail becomes. the only other alternative is depending the crime committed, small petty crimes should just be given a ticket and to be

expected in court on the date given but the serious the crime then being taking into incarceration should happen.

Does Dontrel not being offered bail due to his probation status contribute to a felony conviction as a social disability? If so why and if not why?

Dontrel not being offered bail due to his probation status contribute to a felony conviction is and isn't social disability. Yes, can be viewed as a social disability because their previous crimes committed deems them as dangerous and is repeated felon can cause one to be skeptical and believe that one hasn't learn their lesson and will continue to commit crime. But on the other hand it shouldn't be viewed as social disability because the person keeps on returning for a reason and that's simple because one just continues to comit the crime and does care what the consequence's is, so its more like a choice to do so. With that being said then absolutely no bail should be given to those who is on a repeated action of committing crime.

Why is it important to consider intersectionality when assessing motherhood particularly for Shantee and Velma?

It is important to consider intersectionality when assessing motherhood particularly for Shantee and Velma because both come from different backgrounds. Both women were convicted of the same crime, but was put in that position by different influences. Velma was with the wrong crowd instead of being with family but Shantee was raised by her own mother in a very unmotherly way. Shantee was only 6 serving and drinking liquor, going to parties with her mom and then began getting high. Both have different race, different family beliefs but what makes them similar is their are a felony looking to be apart of society again. It's very important to understand intersectionality for Shantee and Velma because race plays a big part in todays age. Velma being white and Shantee being black will then cause it to usually have a labeling affect.

In thinking about the previous week's reading and the documentaries what could the author mean by a felony conviction carries power over a felon’s body?

From the previous and todays knowledge I can state many reasons as to what the auto may mean by a felony conviction carries power over a felon’s body. For starters moving forward in life one the felon is judge and looked upon based off their conviction. Like Middlemass states that, "Once someone is convicted of a felony, his or her conviction carriers an unexpected power over his or her body" (p.26), once you become an inmate your given that number and stripped of who you are but if you think about it, it could mean more than that. The “so called outside world’’ will just see you as another inmate who will soon go back. Then you can talk about the rights part, you become restricted. For examples, restricted places you can work, can go, you have a whole set of new laws that apply to how you live your life now. What are some of the mental and physical effects that are caused by being incarcerated and upon release?

For certain there are some mental and physical effects that are caused by being incarcerated and upon release. From stories from my uncle who was incarcerated for 14 years and spent 11 mostly in the “box”, a small room just enough space for you to take 3 steps he would say. He tells me he still tends to suffer from PTSD and one of the main contributors was being incarcerated. His prison sentence was never supposed to do 14 years, was only sentenced to 3 years but once incarcerated you change as a person he would say. Once in the prison you must fend for your own and that means to survive and that could change you mentally or physically. The things he done seen, must do isn’t something he would do or see if he wasn’t incarcerated. But on the other note these are all factors that contribute to his PTSD. Also, upon release the major factor is mentally, most felons tend to only know how to live the life of an inmate. Do families have a responsibility to support family members upon their release from prison and what should that look like?

For me this is an opinion question so every answer may be different but yes absolutely families have a responsibility to support family members upon their release from prison. When an inmate is being released, they tend to have nothing, only from what they had when they was arrested with and what’s in their commissary. No place to go, no job, no money and sometimes not even a coat. Family support should come with wanting them to do better, wanting them to get on the right path. Some ways they can support is by opening door to your home for them, not necessary be a babysitter but at least keep an eye out for them. Make sure meeting are being made, make sure one has a job and is staying out of trouble. All in all, help them gain more opportunities for the life in front of them. What if anything can the prison systems do to assist in rehabilitation as well as adjustment to life on the outside?

One major idea that the prison system can do to assist in rehabilitation as well as adjustment to life on the outside is programs that can be introduce for inmates who are coming upon their release. Maybe some sort of “Getting Started class” that can set one up with a plan when that day comes. Also, someway I would love to a way to set inmates up with being able to find a job when released, also can become some type of program.

What struggles did each person in the documentary face and what could have been done differently by the individual? Could Parole have done something differently?

Challenge is how to stay away from coming back to prison. Earl record is drug position n Burglary 11 times. Some main challenges is understanding the conditions of your release. When offender is released, they cannot come in contact of any previous victims. Sometimes the parolee won’t commit a crime but it’s the boundaries and rules the parolee needs to follow and if violated they can be sent back. Earl can’t stay with his wife because of certain regulations which if he does stay with her then he will be violating his parole. But like stated in the chapter 3 in the book “Former prisoners who cannot stay with family, for whatever reason, end up homeless because of hostile policies;” so this will cause them to make choices. What route is honestly the

best route, violating your parole or potentially living on the streets and being homeless? Parolee are often put in tough situations which one wrong move they will be punished.

Do you think that it is important for their to be diversity in the criminal justice fields (specifically probation and parole supervision)? Why or why not?

Diversity is a major plus in the criminal justice department. Diversity brings different mindsets and ideas and especially a difference in how things will be done. From the film you can tell the difference between each PO. Jessica PO is more involved in trying to do better trying to get the system to do better. While Vaughn had somewhat of a nonchalant type of attitude just doing what she must do. Like stated in the film “sometimes I commit a crime again to go back to jail because it’s easier to live” unfortunately a lot of released parolee think like this, some believe that being on the outside is worst and way more easier to commit a crime then in the inside. Also has to do with how your parolee officer over sees you and treats the case. Also, like stated in the film “you have to be sneaky”, you have no choice to do certain things which some of those certain things aren’t wrong. Like seeing your child, wanting to be there for your family. Fiona Doherty stated “If the atmosphere is reflected to diversity and showed that they want the best for you then things will be taken into that way” like stated in the film.

Why do you think that only Jessica was able succeed on parole while the others violated? Do you think gender played a role?

I honestly believe in the fact that gender plays a role. Yes, Jessica was able to do better and make it past the parole state while others fell off the wagon and recommitted a crime which sent them back to jail. It just has to do with you as a person. You must follow your rules, you make your choices, as a man we tend to get over our heads and always feel as if we can fix anything, we do wrong. While most females are afraid of redoing something twice. I’m not speaking on most females but just growing up I often seen the man doing something twice with no hesitations while the female is the one to always guess a choice second. In society women are generally are subjected to put on a higher respectful level, meaning they are looked as to do more and have much more responsibility. It honestly has to do with the PO, the PO holds your freedom of reentry. Like Fiona stated, it also has to do with how closely one is supervised. The more one is being supervised then the more violations one will find.

Could a reentry program like MILA benefited Rob and Vaughn?

I believe that a reentry program like MILA could have helped Rob and Vaughn because the program is made to assist and help people get work, housing and basically help guide to the

fullest to a proper recovery. The feedback on the program was more than positive and honestly fits the both of them needs.

With the information provided in this chapter do you think that felons should be able to receive PELL funding while in prison or once released? Why or why not?

I honestly believe that we all are entitled to receive an education no matter the circumstances. Prison is supposed to teach one a lesson on their action they’ve committed. Morally and mentally prison we want one to come out wanting a change for their lives in a positive situation. I believe that it starts in the prison system. Having access to PELL funding while in prison will give one a head start in the reentry process. From first hand experience, my brother who was arrested at an early age and served a lengthy time sentence wasn’t really in a stable mindset nor was really great in school. I believe the lack of education he had absolutely had to do with the way he acted out and committed crimes. But that’s besides the point, in prison he received his GED and was able to become a completely different person. He became wiser and honestly it set him up in the reentry process. He was able to eventually continue his education after prison and even get a job. He always told me if it wasn’t for prison he wouldn’t have ever got his GED. Like stated in the textbook it states that “the available data strongly suggests that former prisoners who have their GED are more successful at reentering society.” And that honestly is a proven fact from my brother who is 35, 4 kids and is a nurse is doing very well for himself and that started with the education given in prison.

What are your thoughts on barring incarcerated individuals from receiving a GED or college degree?

My thoughts regarding the barring incarnated individuals from receiving a GED or college degree is absolutely disgusting. We shouldn’t stop one from their education because of the situation they are put in. One may lack education and that could honestly be a factor of why the crime was committed in the first place. There’s a difference between common sense and education, everyone will have common sense but one to be educated is something one must be teach. That’s just how I view this question, honestly just education is a must to maintain in society on a maintain level.

Ultimately does this help or hurt the offender and society especially in terms of reducing recidivism?

Depending how you may view it, but it majority might hurt them. It will absolutely still be difficult to get a job or start any type of career or next goal in your life while having a criminal background. Also some may not want one who received their education in prison. It’s a lot of cons that may happen but overall morally it will make one feel better.

In thinking about reentering society and this specific journal article what are your thoughts on children contributing to mothers desistance from criminal behavior?

Children contributing to mothers desistance from criminal behavior is a very important. A mother attached to their child may keep one of the streets, also may keep one from certain type of crowds and negative energy. Most mothers and especially my mother who is a mother of 10 and single parent I seen her put her kids before anything. I’ve heard stories about my mother used to be wild growing up leaving home, running away, and in all sorts of trouble. But after having her first born my brother she became so attached. She always said he was the changed she needed. All in all a mother and child bond is very strong and all the mother wants to do is keep the child safe. So yes a child having an impact on a mother’s life regarding criminal behavior could change ones view.

What are your thoughts on the District Attorney's statement and should Alonza be compared with a 28 year old that does not have a criminal history? Why or Why not?

My thoughts regarding the DA statement is that it was uncalled for and very disagreeing. More yet, I found it to be very disrespectful towards Alonza. Alonza being compared to other 28 year olds with no criminal record is unacceptable. For starters a person with no criminal background can find it easier to fit in with society. When I say fit in with society I mean, getting work, education, family, the way one moves or thinks. For a person with a criminal background like I stated before in previous weeks, having a criminal background is like a dark shadow that can hurt you without you even knowing. We’ve seen from previous weeks how it hurt one from not being able to see family or even get a job. A person who has served time has done and seen things a person with no criminal background has seen. Alonza was in solitaire, like stated before my uncle has described to me what it’s like and how difficult it was for him to get over it. As a person with no criminal background I couldn’t imagine dealing with that, I would have broken. I wouldn’t compare the two until both are put into the same shoes and that’s honestly how I feel.

What were your impressions about Alonza?

After watching this documentary about Alonza I just clearly see a young man who made one wrong decision which caused his life to change. I am a firm believer in, you can see one's true colors from looking into their eyes. Throughout the entire documentary I can see Alonza full of regret and just a person who wished he could fix his wrong. I don’t see Alonza as a felon, I see a young man who made a troublesome mistake and went through the process of dealing with the consequences of his actions but deep down he wishes he could have played it differently. Life is mostly moment decisions, and some moment decisions aren’t so great but does that determine who we are ? Who we become ? This could have been a perfect experiment to push for a program to help the young juveniles entering prison in this type of situation. A young man, giving a sentence as if he was a man.

How does chapter 1 of the textbook relate to Alonza's homecoming?

Chapter 1 of the textbook relates to Alonza homecoming for many different reasons. For starters we’ve learned in chapter 1 what it means to be socially disable and how it can change one's life. Alonza went from being a young man, young man responsibilities, playing with friends, school, girls, etc the normal young adult life. Then to being 28, on his own, new to the upcoming changes the world is going through, no help, no education. Absolutely we can see how Alonza is socially disable. For the last years of his last we were told what to do 24 hours a day, he didn’t have any type of bills to have to worry about, any major responsibilities to deal with. Then after being released just left on his own, at some point he stated he was afraid to be released. He is completely lost, and it hurts that the DA stated that he is no different from the average 28 year old.