Is prison as grim as depicted on TV and in the movies?

[Anonymous]

I have volunteered at two maximum security prisons in NY. The inmates regard the volunteer experiences as the highlight of their week/ month/ season (when we go in for Christmas). Some of the guards are respectful to the inmates, some aren't. Some are nice, some aren't. It has a lot to do with prison administration and what they choose to tolerate/ overlook. Inmates have allies and enemies, and in NY, if a person is a known member or affiliate of a gang, they will try to place them in a different prison from members of a rival gang, to reduce violence. This also usually means their family has to travel farther to visit them.

The Christmas Eve service is amazing, and genuinely spiritual.

[Anonymous]

Given how many people who end up there numerous times it can't be that bad.

I knew a guy years ago who said it was better than the streets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Given how many people who end up there numerous times it can't be that bad.

I knew a guy years ago who said it was better than the streets.

I'm a PP. In prison you know what to expect. In the outside world, maybe you have no education or resources or family to help (and if you're a felon you often can't live/ stay with people in public housing). If you have no training and no way to get a job or place to live, prison doesn't sound so bad. It's warm (too warm) and they have food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how many people who end up there numerous times it can't be that bad.

I knew a guy years ago who said it was better than the streets.

I'm a PP. In prison you know what to expect. In the outside world, maybe you have no education or resources or family to help (and if you're a felon you often can't live/ stay with people in public housing). If you have no training and no way to get a job or place to live, prison doesn't sound so bad. It's warm (too warm) and they have food.

Exactly what he said. Warm, 3 meals a day, clothes and showers.

He had other means but prison was easier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how many people who end up there numerous times it can't be that bad.

I knew a guy years ago who said it was better than the streets.

I'm a PP. In prison you know what to expect. In the outside world, maybe you have no education or resources or family to help (and if you're a felon you often can't live/ stay with people in public housing). If you have no training and no way to get a job or place to live, prison doesn't sound so bad. It's warm (too warm) and they have food.

Exactly what he said. Warm, 3 meals a day, clothes and showers.

He had other means but prison was easier.

What are the other means?