This series shares reflections directly from people in prison — what gives them hope, what causes harm, and what they believe needs to change.

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Responses by:

Jeff in Oregon

💬 The Good: What’s one positive thing you’ve seen or experienced in prison?

My desire to be a better human being drove me to ask questions and form a unique bond with a couple of staff members who saw something different about me — something of worth… Mr. and Mrs. Jewell treated me with dignity and love in a place where only degrading, negative things existed. I am thankful for those angels to grace my path along the death sentence I existed in.

💬 The Bad: What’s one negative thing you’ve seen or experienced in prison?

The worst thing about prison is the dehumanizing of people. Correctional staff are trained that all inmates are liars, manipulators, the worst people ever — and never to be trusted. There’s no integrity among the majority of staff. The staff member is always right, even when harm is done.

💬 The Change: If you could change one thing about prison, what would it be?

I would change sentence structure and give everyone the opportunity to go before the Parole Board after serving half their time — and after 20 years for life sentences. With support, proof of rehabilitation, and a plan, people should have a chance. I’ve been incarcerated for 29 years and have had 23 years of clear conduct. Some who committed worse crimes or had more infractions have been released while I remain here.

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