Part 6/8:
Wright’s account of his time inside the prison system was harrowing, describing it as “the worst period of my entire life.” His experiences underscore the dual nature of the challenge: a system rigorously trying to enforce order amidst chaos, but often leading to detrimental outcomes for all involved.
The Human Element: Risk to Life and Safety
The danger faced by direct care staff like corrections officers cannot be overstated. A senior officer from Attica expressed that, towards the end of his career, he feared for his life when heading to work—an alarming reflection of the systemic issues at play. This sentiment is echoed widely among staff; many are voicing that they expect long-lasting negative consequences if significant changes or interventions do not occur soon.