The day of a prisoner is highly regulated, with set times to go to bed, go outside, and a set menu of what you’re able to eat. Of course, the commissary has some options that allow for a few options not available in the cafeteria, but the only choices are cheap, highly processed snacks and … read more
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Illness and Incarceration
What does it mean to be ill? Going by Dr. Peter Eisenberg’s definition, it means to lose your freedom. Working as an oncologist with prisoners from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center for many years, he noticed one thread that connected all of them: they were confined in multiple ways. While being incarcerated is obviously physically constraining, … read more
Bias Behind the Badge: How Officer Demographics Affect Arrest Escalation
Kemonte Hampton walked out of a gas station in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was told to get on the ground; he was being arrested for jaywalking. He complied, but was pushed over on his way down and handcuffed. In the arresting officer’s haste to get out of the car and apprehend Hampton, he forgot to put … read more
