NCJ Number
16457
Date Published
1974
Length
351 pages
Annotation
A DISCUSSION OF THE EFFECTS OF IMPRISONMENT ON A GROUP OF VIET NAM WAR RESISTERS AND DRAFT DODGERS AT THE FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AT LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA.
Abstract
WHATEVER HIS OFFENSE, EVERY PRISONER IS BOUND, IS SHACKLED TO OTHER EQUALLY FRIGHTENED NEW CONVICTS WHEN HE IS BROUGHT TO LOMPOC. THERE ARE TWELVE HUNDRED INMATES IN THE PRISON, AND EACH OF THEM AS HE COMES IN IS STRIPPED, SPRAYED, SEARCHED, GIVEN A SHORT HAIRCUT, AND A NUMBER. MEN ARE ASSIGNED TO CELL BLOCKS IN ROTATION: FIRST OFFENDERS ARE HOUSED WITH PSYCHOPATHS, CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS WITH BANK ROBBERS, DRUG ADDICTS WITH DRUG DEALERS. BUT EACH INMATE HAS HIS OWN CELL-FIVE BY SEVEN BY NINE FEET, BUILT OF CINDER BLOCKS AND WITH A CONCRETE FLOOR. DR MERKLIN TELLS WHAT IT'S LIKE, FROM THE PRISON STAFF TO THE PROBLEMS OF PRISON VIOLENCE, HOMOSEXUALITY, PAROLE, AND SOLITARY. HE TELLS, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON SIX OF THE MEN, WHAT IT WAS LIKE FOR HIM, A PSYCHIATRIST, WORKING WITH THEM, SHARING THEIR HOPES AND THEIR FEARS AND THEIR FRUSTRATIONS, TRYING TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND WHERE THEY WERE AND WHO THEY WERE. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)