Prisoner Opinions About Parole

Abstract

HE policies of administrators and the principles of professional penologists are oftentimes based upon their conceptions of the attitudes of prisoners. Generally, those conceptions are mere hunches or stereotypes of what, let us say, a first offender, a recidivist, a rapist, or a burglar is like. Knowledge of attitudes based upon complete rapport and scientific methods would particularize many general notions. Such methods might show, for example, that a particular first offender may be more antisocial than many recidivists, that a particular recidivist is sincerely tired of the crime game, that a particular rapist may be a safe citizen if a new sex outlet is provided for him, etc. Similarly, wardens or parole board members mayassume that prisoners hold them in fearful respect,whereas study based upon full rapport may show that many priosners hold many such officials in bold contempt, believing them to be examples supporting the attitude that everyone has a racket. Sorely needed are comprehensive systematic attempts to put the use of attitude hunches on a more nearly scientific basis, giving to penology a precision it has lacked in the past and a consistent, broad foundation upon which to build. During the summer months of 1937 and 1938, the author collected prisoner opinions about parole at the Joliet-Stateville Penitentiary in Illinois. The Setting. The Stateville branch of the Illinois State Penitentiary can be characterized as a large prison of maximum security and of recent construction. At present,over4000improvable type inmates tough time gazing at a million dollar wall and tramping through a monotonous routine. Untrained political appointees devise dozens of rules to keep all inmates aware that they are there to do time. Two maxims seem to dominate the penal philosophies of the responsible officials: (i) the primary consideration is the possibility of escape, and, (2) after security is assured, treat 'em all alike no matter what the capabilities, needs, or offenses of a man maybe. As in most prisons, provisions for health, sanitation, and food are inadequate. All the industries are overmanned with inmate help and hundreds of men must boondoggle by carrying dirt, bricks, and sand around the yard in little cans and pans. Although boondogglers move at a snail's pace, it is assumed that this activity has a tiring effect that is conducive to peaceful sleeping. The most worthwhile aspect of the educational program is that it helps hundreds of men to keep their minds off their surroundings. Religious services perform the same function for those who are not quite so willing to their own thinking and reading. Finally, a Parole Board