A former Senator once noted avidly before his colleagues (quote) " The Public cannot tour the prisons and interview the inmates". (unquote) However, the "inmates", as well as their families and friends can" share their experiences with "vapac" [Viginia Prisons Accountability Committee]. Here we amplify the prisoner's voice in society so both sides are presented. The following submission: The reality of prison life by Prisoner Jeffery Gardner confined in Virginia's Pocahontas State Correctional Center expressing the prisoner's plight. Note he has some interesting elements open for discussion. We at "vapac" give thanks to Mr. Gardner for sharing his experience. *Note* Click on pop-out icon for larger view,
By Jeffery Gardner Confined at Pocahontas State Prison
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Since this posting, additional quality of life issues have arisen for the inmates at PSCC, including Jeffrey Gardner. I know many of these changes affect inmates at facilities across the state. For example, inmates at this facility no longer have access to sandwiches and other "real food" options during visitation. For some reason, the only food items that now stock vending machines in visiting rooms are candy bars and crackers. There are no low carb options, which presents difficulty for those inmates and visitors with diabetes who are required to eat frequently but only have high carb options available to them during visitation. Of course visitors can eat before or after their visit, but an inmate who receives a 4-hr visit must miss lunch to participate in said visit. Inmates should not be required to choose between spending time with their loved ones and having a meal. The removal of filling food items from the vending machines has needlessly reduced morale among inmates.
Inmates are also no longer allowed to receive the actual mail that is sent to them. The only thing they actually see is a black and white photocopy of what was sent to them. Obviously a B&W photocopy of a greeting card or a drawing doesn't have the same positive effect on the mental health of an inmate as the original version in color sent by their loved one.
While these issues may seem small and insignificant to some, they aren't for those inmates who are subjected to these changes. There isn't a whole lot that's positive about being confined to prison anyway, but when those few pleasures that do exist are taken away, it's detrimental to the well-being of the people that the prison system is supposedly committed to rehabilitating.
The inmates and their loved ones would certainly appreciate any assistance and support you could offer that will improve the quality of life of inmates in Virginia's correctional facilities.
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