This series shares reflections directly from people impacted by the criminal legal system – what gives them hope, what causes harm, and what they believe needs to change. Each voice is unique, but together they reveal the urgent need for a more just and humane approach.
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Troy in Texas
Today’s submission comes from Troy, who has spent over thirteen years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. As a life coach and peer educator, Troy works every day to help others grow, even while wrestling with his own pain. In his own words, here’s what’s good, what’s bad, and what he believes must change.
I’ve been incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for nearly thirteen and a half years of a 25-year sentence. I’ve been at the Ferguson Unit trusty camp for only a few months, but I’ve been in and out of prison since 1985. It’s painful to admit — sometimes I feel like “damaged goods,” like an unwanted package in the returns box.
It’s only by God’s grace and mercy, and the personal relationship I have with Him, that I am in my right mind today.
The Good
I don’t think there’s really anything good about being in prison — but I have learned some things that can be beneficial. There are self-rehabilitative programs, self-help classes, and a variety of educational opportunities: GED, academic courses, vocational and college trades, correspondence Bible studies, life coach training, and more.
Most programs have requirements to enroll, but there’s something for almost everyone. I am presently a life coach, and I’ve held other assignments like Support Service Inmate, law library clerk, general library clerk, and peer educator.
It takes a lot to weather the storm of incarceration and stay focused on your goals, especially when you’re surrounded by negativity and people who don’t support rehabilitation or sobriety.
The Bad
There’s good and bad in every person, but prison can be a dangerous place depending on the unit, the people, and your perspective.
Some officers are just as negative-minded as some inmates, and one bad interaction can escalate into something worse. Drugs and alcohol are rampant; K2 is destroying minds and lives. The violence can be constant — some days feel like living inside a TV drama where anything can happen without warning.
I’ve seen small conflicts that could be solved with a conversation turn into violent incidents. I’ve seen parole denied again and again for reasons tied only to someone’s past, with no regard for their present progress.
Inconsistency is another problem. One officer will enforce a rule, another will ignore it. Some treat certain groups of people differently because of race or custody level. These small things create unnecessary tension that can turn ugly fast.
The Change
There should be common ground in how officers interact with incarcerated people — not an “us versus them” mentality. Rules and expectations should be consistent, communication clear, and the focus should be on safety and well-being for everyone.
The parole system should consider the progress a person has made, not just their past. Anyone who has served a substantial portion of their sentence, maintained good conduct, and participated in rehabilitation should at least be considered for release or placed in a reentry program.
Rehabilitation should be available to everyone, regardless of custody level. The people who act out the most are often the ones hurting the most — masking pain with anger because it’s the only way they know to survive.
As a life coach, I’ve been teaching for over two years. Some days, I’m nursing my own pain while trying to help others. I put my feelings aside and focus on the issue at hand, and it gives me a sense of worth.
I cry within my spirit every night because I feel so broken sometimes. But at the end of the day, I’m thankful to be alive and in my right mind.
“I have been praying for someone to reach out to us… and show us that we do matter, that we do exist, and that there are people who actually care. There’s a lot of pain and hurt within this prison system, and it’s not the kind you can physically see or touch — it’s buried deep within a person’s soul.” – Troy
Share Your Good / Bad / Change
What stood out to you in Troy’s reflections? What gives you hope, what causes harm, and what would you change? We welcome thoughts from both inside and out. (Scroll down to the comment section.)
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