Dear Future President,

Are you aware that there are approximately 2.3 million Americans incarcerated in U.S. prisons? Also that the majority of people are being arrested for petty crimes? So if the point of prison to complete one’s sentence for the crime one’s committed why are people being treated badly in poor conditions? 1 in 10 inmates are sexually abused and the majority of prisons do not meet standard health requirements and there has been multiple accusations of the guards beating the prisoners for no apparent reason and not treating them in a humane way (CNN.com). Diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis are everywhere and normally inmates do not get the proper care and treatment they need, same with other illnesses too. U.S. prisons are not meeting the federal standards and there needs to be a change in the system.

Prisons are normally in bad conditions and do not meet safety conditions and this is causing unsafe and cruel conditions for many people. These conditions should not be an additional punishment. “Those whose experienced punitive conditions and mistreatment on the other hand are likely to return to society psychologically shattered and in poor or worse state of physical or mental health than when they entered” (penal reform.org). Making changes to these issues will ensure more fairness to the criminal justice system. Some standards that are not met include; appropriate living space, food and water, healthcare, sanitation, with fresh air and exercise. Also there are clothing and bedding standards that are normally not met, including contact with the outside world.

“Private prison companies have employed unqualified guards, resorted to excessive violence and cruelty to control inmates, and provided substandard medical care, resulting in unnecessary deaths” (prwatch.org). Does this sound like a well kept up system to you? These prisoners are being unfairly treated and are in need of some justice. There have been several cases of lawsuits and from the families of these inmates that are getting treated so poorly, this has caused for many more costs to communities and taxpayers. This obviously isn't working for the greater good so why is it still happening?

I personally don’t know anyone who has gone to jail, but I feel bad for those families that have to know their loved one is suffering. These people are arrested for minor crimes and their sentence should be enough, these “bad conditions” did not come with their prosecution. Just because of one wrong mistake they had to live in these bad conditions for a while.

This is why I am asking you, Future President, to please make a change in the system. A change will be for the greater good and could really help out the community, it would save the lives and health and just overall well being of the people incarcerated in U.S. prisons today. I am asking to make sure everyone in jail is equally treated rights and opportunities.I know it's a lot to ask but the change can only start with you.

Sincerely,

Holly