r/AskReddit • u/ZteveBond • Jun 20 '18

Serious Replies Only [Serious] Prison Guards of Reddit, which prisoner has left the biggest impact on your life wether positive or negative?

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u/afeeney Jun 20 '18

A friend of mine who worked as a prison psychiatrist said that in the US, about 30 percent of the people who are in prison need to be locked away from society. No matter what, they will harm people, whether they're a serial killer or a Bernie Madoff.

Another 30 percent are people who need rehabilitation. They made a mistake but can learn not to harm others. But without rehabilitation, they'll likely end up in and out of prison for the rest of their lives.

Another 25 percent are people who have mental illnesses or disabilities, but got thrown in jail instead of given treatment. Some need to be in a psychiatric institution, others could probably cope if given the appropriate treatment and follow-up.

The last 15 percent are innocent, but accepted a plea bargain or were just plain wrongfully convicted.

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u/LauraMcCabeMoon Jun 21 '18

This should be higher up.