Federal prison tour - Essay Example

Federal Prison Tour Affiliation On the 11th of May we set out to tour the federal prison in Terre Haut, Indiana; a group of twenty students from the criminal criminology department of ISU university. The tour that took approximately one and half an hour started at the gate entrance where we were inspected and screened. In groups of three, we headed into the large hall where we got detailed descriptions on how the facility operates. From there we set off to visit other sections of the prison.The Federal Correctional Complex has two facilities; the Federal Correction Institution for medium-security inmates and the United States Penitentiary for high-security inmates.

We however did not visit the whole prison but instead visited the facility containing inmates of smaller crimes and were almost being released.The prison is divided into various different sections named in alphabetical order. Each section holds different types of prisoners. It has a library used to conduct researches, especially for those who want to conduct legal researches and prepare legal documents, and also as a study hub for those prisoners interested in reading. Besides, the library provides unlimited resources for those prisoners undertaking educational programs such as high school diploma for those who did not graduate through high school.

Non-English speaking prisoners are required to take English classes and the library comes in handy in this case. The use of the library is generally encouraged since reading combined with recreational activities hugely contributes to an inmate leading a healthy lifestyle as well as developing healthy habits.Talking about recreational activities, like most prisons in the country, the federal prison of Terre Haut provides entertainment to its inmates. The prison has established various entertainment spots all over the facility, for prisoners and guards alike.

It is believed that the entertainment alleviates the risk of high-stress levels in inmates and thus reducing suicidal tendencies within the prisoners.One of the most sensitive department in prisons and correctional institutions in the world is always the food department. This prison is no exception. Contrary to what many people may believe, the federal prison in Terre Haut has relatively nice and clean restaurants. The kitchen and food storage areas are not any different. High hygienic standards are adhered to by the kitchen staff in a bid to keep the inmates fine and healthy.

Within the facility is a prison textile factory that manufactures blankets and bedspreads. Aside from earning the prison and the federal government a much-needed income, the prison textile industry provides employment to the inmates. There are also other employment opportunities within the correctional facility that also provide income to the inmates. Working prisoners are paid between 65 cents and 1.45 dollars per hour, a pretty respectable amount for an inmate. This provides the inmates a platform to start a new life upon release in addition to teaching them the value of honesty.

ReferencesFederal Bureau of Prisons. (2014). Education Programs. Retrieved from http://www.bop.gov/inmates/custody_and_care/education.jspSantos, M. (2003). Profiles from prison: Adjusting to life behind bars. Westport, Conn: Praeger.