Over 95% of all prisoners will eventually return to the community. The amount of years in prison, which varies depending upon crime and background information, is determined by the sentencing judge. Based on the Truth in Sentencing model, the court imposes a severe punishment without incentives such as good-time deductions or access to half-way houses. Though men and women are released every day, the majority are destined to be re-arrested within 12 months for technical violations of parole or a new crime.
Rahim will be back on the bricks in a few days. At 17, he had been arrested by the Youth Violence Task Force for weapons and drug possession. A high-school dropout with little employable skills, he had made a decision to sell drugs (cocaine and marijuana) by a park with a group of other teenagers. Law enforcement agencies listed him as a gang affiliate and the overzealous prosecutor convinced the Suffolk Superior Court judge to sentence Rahim to seven years in the big house on a plea bargain.
Massachusetts has two level-6 prisons, which are highly secure and maintain custody of the more dangerous men. At least that is the way theory flows. Walpole opened it's cell blocks in the mid-fifties, and the electric chair was installed at the end of the east wing, in close proximity to death row. Though no prisoner was ever executed in the chair, Walpole is infamous for deaths by stabbing, strangulation, burning and overdose. The other level-6, Shirley-Max, is ten years old and is often referred to as "a wast'a public funds." Prisoners are routinely being over-classified to maintain capacity levels at both facilities.
Rahim has been bouncing between Walpole and Shirley-Max for the entire term of his sentence. During this time, visits by family members and friends were rare and between Plexiglass. A typical day consisted of 23 hours in a 6' X 8' cell, with approximately 60 minutes for exercise, shower, phone calls, and to run a few errands for other men on the tier. No work, no programs, and no preparation for the upcoming moment of release. In a few days, Rahim will exit through the sliding and slamming gates at Walpole. Ready or not, he will be heading towards Boston soon without parole supervision.
The re-entry center in Mattapan has created major controversy in the Square. Quite simply, the business folks do not appreciate the constant flow of thugs, addicts, and former prisoners. Direct services in housing, employment, medical, and substance-abuse by the re-entry center have become secondary, in lieu of the community concerns. Already inadequate, these services certainly will continue to fall short in matching the growing needs of men returning to the neighborhood. And without this initial support, any chance of success during the transition period is decreased.
Rahim will arrive in Mattapan soon, and he needs access to mega services. Remember, he, like many others, never had an opportunity in Walpole or Shirley-Max to attend school or substance abuse counselling. He has no residence, job, or savings. He is leaving prison in worse shape than he arrived and towards an unreceptive community. What are his chances for positive adjustment?
General preparations for eventual release should be undertaken upon entering, not exiting, prison. Rahim is one of many lost souls who wake up in chains and by noon find themselves standing alone on Blue Hill Ave. with no plan or helping hand. In a Langston Hughes classic, the question "What happens to dreams deferred?" is quite appropriate. These human beings do not want to return to prison. They simply need a legitimate opportunity to stay out.
Published on www.edgeboston.com on 03-31-05
Arnie King has been within Massachusetts' prisons for 3 1/2 decades and currently has a favorable recommendation for commutation in Governor Romney's office. For additional information, contact him at : Bay State Center, Box 73, Norfolk, MA 02056; throughbarbedwire@yahoo.com
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