The inmates with the most intimate knowledge of the abuse, corruption and neglect prevelent in CDCR are the "Lifers". The Lifers are the life-blood in the administration and operations of any and all of the States Prison institutions. They are the back-bone to any simblence of organization each of these facilities have now. They also work dirt cheap.(.15 cents an hour, if lucky). Unfortunately, they also have the most to lose if they tried to share their expierences with reporters. (The continuing denial of Parole at parole hearings for the most trivial, trumped-up excuses that can be invented.) By keeping the Lifers in the system CDCR has an expieranced, veteran administrative work-force "pool" available too them at pennies on the dollar. These "inmate victims" are literally held hostage by CDCR as their only employer and if they ever exposed what they know to the general public they also know that they would never, never have a chance to be paroled. This is organized crime at it's finest.

In truth, the verbal "abuse" that occurs at CDCR institutions is given by the inmates and officers alike. I've been on tours and felt dirty and violated by the inmates blatant disrespect for any one who enters "their domain". I have family and friends who work in the envirnment. When did inmates get so many rights? They legally should have sustinance, a roof, and clothing. They need medical and dental. Especially if we are going to have them long-term. They don't need TV's, hormone treatments, special diets that makes sure their cookies aren't broken and their PB&J's aren't smooshed. They get special religious treatment, but where was religion when they were killing, raping, robbing, burglarizing, and molesting? Do all inmates get abused in prison by officers? No. Do all officers abuse? No. Do all inmates deserve special conditions? HELL NO. They are supposed to be punished - Lord knows rehabilitation doesn't work. Let them work - HARD. Let them get educated. Let them learn a trade. Let them draw, write, discover computers (not internet) and cullinary arts, let them find out how to do wood works and build things. But don't glorify them, or make them be seen as the victim. We never hear about the victims once the case is adjudicated. Then it all becomes about how hard the criminal has it. CDCR need some reform, no doubt about it, but in honesty, we know that even law abiding citizens who are working at their normal day to day jobs would say whatever they can to get what conditions they are striving for - the truth lies somewhere in the middle and inmates spend all of their time learning how to manipulate and control those around them. And they can do it to the media as well...

My name is Kathy and this story makes me believe that I will die when I have to turn myself in on Friday to go to prison. I am a very sick woman who has bleeding for about 40 days now. I just recieved a ultra sound yesterday and was told a biopsy was my next step, then a complete hysterectoromy. I have to go to prison for a three year term and possibly my death. If I have Cancer will I get the right treatment? I have been to prison 4 times Yes I am a drug addict, who has had a hard life, I pleaded guilty because my pubilc defender scared me into pleading. I was told over and over that 10yrs was what I would get if I lost my trial. My plubic pretender said I would loose, he wouldnt give me a chance to really believe I wasnt guilty. I was forced to do what I did because I was with a gangbanger, and was told if I didnt take his beef he would hurt my family. Hows that for justis? While Im down I will have a pen and paper handy. I do love to write and will corrspond with any media who want the real scoop on the medical situtation. Thank for letting me vent
respectly scared

Their is a huge corrupt gang in California and it is called CCPOA. The judges are their bankers, and most attorneys are their helpers. I am a newly retired educator. Unfortunatly, I have seen the truth. This is a huge industry where many people make money off the suffering families. Yes, the families suffer the most. Not only is the media limited to access, but the families are afraid to report the abuses. Why ? Because their loved ones will suffer. Even more. Any system that is supported by tax dollars should be opened up to the truth, the media. Do you ever ask yourself why this is not taking place? What's wrong with the people of this state? Why are the DA's allowed to use scare tactics on the public. Even more, why are the people so gullable? My advice. Seek the truth. Educate yourself. Protect the Constitution before it is gone.