Amidst talk of prison reforms, Michael Lewis discusses how hard it can be to rehabilitate yourself in prison where there is gang violence, postcode wars, drug violence, and money wars. Despite his troubles with drug offenses, Lewis hopes this will be his last time in prison. However, the situation in Pentonville seems to create barriers that prevent many inmates from turning their lives around. Waiting for assistance can be dangerous, as inmates experience an array of issues tied to being trapped in a small, crowded environment. Recently, Lewis found his former cellmate attempting suicide and, after being left alone and waiting for help, recounts how they waited for a staff member to enter. The physical and mental state of the inmates paired with illnesses such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can create dangerous environments that are difficult to navigate.
This require a lot of effort, time, and resources from staff, who are already overworked and overstretched. Sixteen inmates will be released early, which will relieve some of the population and help other inmates avoid being sent to Pentonville. The prison aims to provide more space and capacity, but the high degree of overcrowding already in place in Pentonville leaves little room to embark on effective reform to help inmates get on a better track. Governor Simon Drysdale recognizes this, stating that creating more space is their main priority.
While 16 inmates being released may help, many inmates at Pentonville remain skeptical that anything will change. One, who chose to remain anonymous, believes nothing will ever change. The combination of the environment and lack of resources provided to inmates makes them feel as though nobody cares about them, leading to a feeling of hopelessness. The harsh and crowded living quarters not only limit opportunities for reform but also contribute to worsening the conditions faced daily. It is clear that reforms and improvements are necessary to help all those currently in Pentonville and to avoid putting future inmates into similarly challenging circumstances.
For those affected by the issues discussed in this article, support and advice services are available through the BBC Action Line
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