Riot revealed the social texture of the Camp Street Prison

Jul 20, 2017 Letters

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Dear Editor,
The facts have been borne out by the acts.
After I had written my two bits about the recent fire at Camp Street Prison, it was my primary intention to relegate myself to the position of onlooker. However, I was forced to emerge from my quasi-hibernation and respond to the concerns expressed by Clement Rohee in “There are more questions than answers about the events at the Camp Street Jail” SN July 13.The truth be told, or the facts be stated, Mr. Rohee the events that unfolded on July 10, 2017 have furnished you not only with the immediate answers, but have also addressed some residual unasked questions from the more tragic occurrence of March 4,2016, that sent sixteen inmates under the charge of the penal system to an early demise.
At this juncture a search for answers is totally unnecessary; instead a cure for the cancer that ails the prison system should be the priority. By its very definition a prison riot is symbolic of loss of control by prison administrators, and in addition serves to lay bare weaknesses in facilities, operating procedures or organization. The safety of prison employees, inmates, and residents of the immediate area around where the prison is located , not to mention the fiscal cost of prison riots and who shoulders the costs make their prevention and management a critical issue. Vital criminal justice issues that must be addressed are how prisons are renovated, how prisons are staffed, and how staff are used and reinforced during riots or uprisings.
Aggressive planning and preparation coupled with reactive problem solving is the most effective approach to resolution. Once the previous riot had been resolved, the entire incident should have served as a sterling opportunity for correctional leaders to develop policies that reflect what they have learned, provided they listened carefully and thought clearly about the events. Previously unrecognized problems are remedied. Following the fire of March 2016 a riot plan should have been designed and formulated, ready for use at the next sign or inkling of unrest.
This plan should be a comprehensive guide fully delineating the special responsibilities to be met, the resources to be utilized and the contribution of each individual or group involved. It should be representative of the correctional agency’s principles and strategies for resolution. While broad -gauged planning based on knowledge of other incidents and lessons learned from the past cannot ward off all prison riots, it can however help corrective administrators avert some disturbances, and take action to prevent small incidents from escalating. The prison administrators should clearly pinpoint areas of most concern to them within the prison and these issues specifically addressed.
Notwithstanding the fact that no system is infallible, riot avoidance can be successfully brought about through a combination of constant vigilance and physical control. Something to which much attention has not been paid, and one which is of serious concern is the fact that prisons do not operate in a vacuum, but are intrinsic parts of communities and larger correctional systems. Reading daily newspapers, and maintaining good relationships with elected officials will assist in keeping prison administrators in line with public sentiments and possible changes directed by politicians. It is vital that prison officials remain in tune with events outside the prison that may influence the mindset and behavior of those inside. Some issues move like greased lightning within the prison environment while others may take longer.
Within the prison, staff at all levels need to both speak to, and listen to the prisoners. If the staff listens there is information to be garnered. Strange but true the prisoners will tell them what is going on in the prison. Accountability is another issue to be resolved. Even after the fire and the rehousing of the inmates, there was still a dubious tally of prisoners. Knowing where prisoners are at all times is of prime importance. A formal roll call system should be in place, supplemented by formal counts at prescribed times. Contraband items (anything that a prisoner should not possess) should receive the utmost attention. There should be enforced regulations on the amount of items a prisoner can possess, or even have in his cell and the rules must be stringently enforced.
Tensions and incidents are natural to the prison and prison personnel are trained to deal with them. Mental preparation for incidents is as equally important as physical preparation. It is blatantly apparent that the recent riot has provided all the answers to the questions. The facts have been borne out by the acts. What needs to be addressed is Quo Vadis? Would there ever be an end? Hopefully the fire will a clear message send.
Yvonne Sam

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