My visit to prison

Most of you know that I am studying Criminal Justice. As a requirement for a Corrections class, I visited two prisons Friday, Oct. 17th. I got the chance to visit both the Cummins and Varner units in Grady, Arkansas. I chose this tour because these units house the only death chamber in our state and because Varner houses death row inmates. For many of you, I imagine that sounds scary. I have to admit I was nervous when we got there, but soon realized there was no need to be. On our first tour, my class was accompanied by not only correction officers but 5 inmates as well. Much to our surprise, we later learned that 4 of the 5 men had committed murder....and 1 man had killed 3 times. These men were nothing but courteous to us. They generally had good attitudes. One man admitted to us that he was guilty and seemed to have taken responsibility for what he had done. All of these men served on a board that talked to people, including kids, about making the right life choices. They seemed very smart and had I met them on the street, I would have never thought they were capable of such a horrible act. You always hear such negative things about prison, but being there was a totally different experience all together. It was clean, the staff was accommodating to us and respectful to the inmates. Though I can't say what happens behind closed doors, I only speak of what I saw. At the Varner unit, we learned about educating the inmates. Our state requires that they get their GED if they don't already have it. I believe we were told that 43 graduated this past year (though I'm not sure if that's the correct figure). The inmates are also trained in vocational skills and trades. It seems there are good aspects, but I also know there are bad. I had a chance to see that up close. I'm not stupid...there are people there that have done horrible things. Yes, they deserve to be there, but there are probably those there who are not. I was lucky enough to see a man I honestly believe is not guilty of his charges. He is currently on death row at Varner. If you don't know who I'm talking about, I am referring to Damien Echols. He, along with two others, were charged and convicted of brutally killing three 8 year-old boys in West Memphis....they were later dubbed (by the press) as the "West Memphis Three". I don't expect you to agree with me on whether or not they are guilty. Along with God, there are the only ones who know with 100% certainty if there are innocent or guilty. I myself have looked into the case (as best as possible) and don't think they are. But the biggest part of my learning experience was to meet these people (though I didn't meet Damien), talk to them, and realize that they are people, too. Well...DUH!! Of course they're people!! They, too, have lost out on life...a good life....and the simple things we take for granted every day. Every time we went from one building to another, I realized how lucky I was to feel the sun and the cool breeze on my face. As we left, I turned back to look at several men in the windows, looking outside. The only thing I could do for them was pray!!
I pray that God works through me when I enter into this field!! Our system is suppose to be the best in the world, but YES...it has flaws. I want this world to be a safe place for my children, but I want it to be done with honesty and integrity!! I hope I can be one of many to do that.