By the time a convicted felon walks through prison doors, he hasn’t much left to lose. Prison officials take his wallet, his clothes, even his shoes, tell him when to sleep, when to eat, when he can exercise and who he can associate with. He or she enters a world where strict discipline by unsympathetic guards collides with covert temptation and even stricter discipline from vicious gang leaders.
Often the only things stopping felons from sinking into utter hopelessness are the few hours a week they get to exercise and mingle with other inmates and the few opportunities they get to call home. “Taking away telephone access should never be used as a form of discipline,” said Jim McGreevey, reacting to a recent report from New Jersey’s prison oversight office saying inmates do not get fair access to telephone calls or enough time on the calls. Some have even lost telephone privileges for years.
Telephone calls are a lifeline for prisoners. They allow them to stay connected with their families and friends, which can help them maintain hope and a sense of purpose. Telephone calls can also help prisoners access legal and medical services. Studies have shown that prisoners who have regular access to telephone calls are less likely to commit crimes upon release.
Denying prisoners access to telephone calls is a form of cruel and unusual punishment. It is a way of isolating prisoners from the outside world and making them feel like they are forgotten. Telephone calls are essential for prisoners’ mental and emotional well-being. They should be given fair access to telephone calls and enough time on the calls to make a meaningful connection with their loved ones.
