asha:
I have heard of the programs you mentioned, being introduced into prisons, and I think it is a great idea! I heard of a similar program(I believe it was called "Project Second Chance"
for young offenders. Their job would be to socialize and train dogs with behavioral problems, so that they were able to be put up for adoption at some point.
I remember seeing a segment about the program on some news show. However, the only downside was, that these kids would end up getting attached to the dogs, and had a very difficult time letting go. It was quite sad, because of course most of these young people have been abandoned before, and to have to take an animal that they had befriended away from them. Well, it was just heartbreaking.
I also heard of a program where inmates trained seeing eye dogs. That is great, because it would give the inmate a sense that he/she was giving something back to society, and making a contribution.
Smiley:
I did not take offence to your remarks. I do understand what you are saying. However, remember, they CHOSE to work in that environment, and no doubt were aware of all of the job hazards beforehand. The question for me is, WHY would someone WANT to be a correctional officer? I think that many of them are motivated by a desire for power, but that is just my own personal opinion.
If one was really interested in HELPING inmates, they would work with them in a different capacity, such as a social worker, teacher or chaplain for instance. Inmates do not trust or respect CO's, which is understandable. So is the resentment that they feel towards them. And besides, even on their worst day, at least CO's eventually get to go home, and see their families. So, they are much better off than the inmates under their care. And it is also important to remember that there is a HUGE imbalance of power between the inmates and the guards. Let's face it.Chances are a CO could get away with just about anything. After all, who is going to take the word of an imate over a guard? Few people.
I would NEVER want to be a C.O. I just wouldn't have the heart to lock human beings up in cages, and treat them like animals. I don't think that there is nearly enough emphasis on rehabilitation in the prison system, but that is my opinion.
Anyway, I will definitely check out that website Smiley, and tell my pen pal all about it. From what he has told me about the warden, I doubt that he would go for it. He does not sound like a very nice man. But it would certainly be worth a try, right?
Oh, and one last thing I noticed. I could be wrong. This is just a personal observation. I've corresponded with both male and female inmates, and it seems to me that females are treated better than their male counterparts. There are also better rehabilitative and therapeutic programs available to female inmates. I am not sure why that is, exactly? But it doesn't seem fair to me. After all, equality is a two way street, right?
Lisa