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Policing Prisons and the Call for Abolition: Field Notes from the Frontline

Thomas Powell

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Published in On Property: Policing Prisons And The Call For Abolition (Field Notes 2)

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In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing struggle for racial justice, the issue of prison abolition has gained significant traction. Prison abolitionists argue that the prison system is inherently racist and dehumanizing, and that it should be dismantled in favor of restorative justice and community-based alternatives.

"Policing Prisons and the Call for Abolition: Field Notes from the Frontline" is a groundbreaking book that offers a firsthand account of the prison abolition movement. Written by a collective of activists, organizers, and scholars, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of the prison system and its devastating impact on communities of color.

On Property: Policing Prisons and the Call for Abolition (Field Notes 2)

On Property: Policing, Prisons, and the Call for Abolition (Field Notes Book 2)

by Rinaldo Walcott

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	807 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages

The book is divided into three parts. The first part provides a historical overview of the prison system, from its origins in slavery to its current role in maintaining white supremacy. The second part examines the day-to-day realities of life inside prison, including the violence, abuse, and neglect that prisoners face. The third part explores the alternatives to prison, such as restorative justice, community policing, and diversion programs.

Part 1: The History of the Prison System

The history of the prison system in the United States is inextricably linked to the history of slavery. After the abolition of slavery in 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution prohibited slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This loophole allowed states to continue to enslave Black people by arresting them for minor offenses and sentencing them to long prison terms.

The prison system also played a key role in the implementation of Jim Crow laws in the South. Black people were denied basic rights, such as the right to vote, serve on juries, or hold public office. They were also subject to segregation and discrimination in housing, education, and employment. The prison system was used to enforce these laws and maintain white supremacy.

In the twentieth century, the prison system expanded dramatically. The War on Drugs, which began in the 1970s, led to the mass incarceration of Black and Latino people. Today, the United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with over 2 million people behind bars.

Part 2: The Day-to-Day Realities of Life in Prison

Life in prison is a daily nightmare for the over 2 million people who are incarcerated in the United States. Prisoners are subjected to violence, abuse, and neglect. They are denied basic necessities, such as adequate food, healthcare, and clothing. They are often held in solitary confinement, which can have devastating psychological effects.

The prison system is also a breeding ground for disease. Prisoners are at a higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. They are also more likely to experience mental illness and suicide.

The conditions in prison are inhumane and degrading. They violate the most basic human rights and constitute a form of torture.

Part 3: Alternatives to Prison

The prison system is not the only way to address crime and social problems. There are many alternatives to prison that are more effective and humane.

Restorative justice is a process that brings together victims, offenders, and the community to address the harm that has been done and to find ways to repair it. Restorative justice programs have been shown to reduce recidivism and create safer communities.

Community policing is a model of policing that emphasizes relationships between police officers and the communities they serve. Community policing programs have been shown to reduce crime and build trust between police officers and residents.

Diversion programs provide alternatives to arrest and prosecution for people who are arrested for minor offenses. Diversion programs can help people get the help they need to address the underlying causes of their behavior, such as poverty, mental illness, or addiction.

The prison system is a failed experiment. It is time to dismantle the prison system and invest in alternatives that are more effective and humane.

"Policing Prisons and the Call for Abolition: Field Notes from the Frontline" is an essential read for anyone who cares about racial justice, human rights, and the future of our society. The book provides a powerful indictment of the prison system and a compelling vision for a more just and equitable world.

If you are looking for a book that will challenge your thinking, inspire you to action, and give you hope, then "Policing Prisons and the Call for Abolition" is the book for you.

Call to Action

The prison abolition movement is growing, but there is still much work to be done. We need to continue to raise awareness of the prison system and its devastating impact on communities of color. We need to support organizations that are working to dismantle the prison system and build alternatives. And we need to hold our elected officials accountable for creating a more just and equitable society.

Together, we can end the era of mass incarceration and create a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Additional Resources

* [The Marshall Project](https://www.themarshallproject.org/) * [The Sentencing Project](https://www.sentencingproject.org/) * [The Vera Institute of Justice](https://www.vera.org/)

On Property: Policing, Prisons, and the Call for Abolition (Field Notes Book 2)

by Rinaldo Walcott

4.5 out of 5