12/14/2024
JULIA CATLETT
Date: 12/9/2024 7:01:44 PM
To: MissCarryn Justice
Subject: Incarcerated While Incarcerated...
A new MDOC rule will soon be implemented due to overcrowding and a lack of staff. Residents will be confined to their cells from 9:00 PM until the following day.
The question is, how will this help with overcrowding in the prison system or address the mental health challenges of incarcerated individuals?
Simply put, this action will cause more harm than good. Being unable to interact with others will likely lead to depression and substance abuse problems, as being confined to a cell for an additional day takes a severe toll. This method will not aid in rehabilitation. In fact, it will hinder any potential for incarcerated individuals to become better members of society, and instead, bitterness will be the primary result.
This solution will not resolve the long-standing issues plaguing the justice system.
What will solve the problem is a change in the laws to reduce overcrowding in MDOC, not more punitive rules and regulations that simply keep the warehousing of human beings afloat.
Right now, as we speak, MDOC residents are in their cells awaiting the 4:00 PM count to clear because of paper counts. They are missing important educational assignments that could help them get a degree and succeed. They are still confined in an 8x10 cell, two hours later. Where is the humanity in that?
Submitted by,
Julia Catlett (Marie) 261951