Criminal justice and the mentally ill
I worked at the Utah State Prison for several years teaching construction courses. I had the opportunity to work among some of the smartest and clever minds I have ever met. We taught inmates whose charges ranged from theft to drugs, pedophiles to murderers. Each a unique case and personality. I wouldn’t say that all offenders act the same or that certain traits are found among a certain class of criminality. They came from all walks of life.
Many of the inmates enrolled in our courses suffered from mental illness. Of those who qualified for help with their symptoms, they received medication and classes to help in their rehabilitation. Many were not as fortunate to receive medication for their illnesses. Most who did receive medication were quiet about it because they were often strong-armed into giving it up so someone else could get a “high” or a “numbness” so to speak. In prison there aren’t many secrets. Everybody pretty much knows something about you and word travels fast. If you have a way with people, then you might fit in with a certain crowd. If you are a “tough guy”, then you might fit in with a more aggressive group. There is a place for everybody.
There was a wide array of illnesses to speak of. There were those who suffered from bipolar and schizophrenia to personality disorders. For the most part, the inmates were open about their struggles to staff and the schooling we offered was very much appreciated. This was an out for those lucky enough to be enrolled in our programs. It was interesting to me that when they came to school, they could be someone else, or be a different version of themselves. Regardless, those with mental illness thrived for the most part. They were able to use their intellect and challenged to excel and learn a trade. The prison system saw that the programs offered were helping to change lives. Recidivism improved. Repeat offenders were finding jobs upon completion of the program and release from prison.
I learned a valuable lesson while working at the prison; mental illness is something that can be treated. It is something that can be lived with. Despite all of my struggles with bipolar and anxiety, with the crushing feelings of despair and lack of self-worth I have felt in life, I have learned that there is always someone who has it a lot worse off than me. Someone who has not had the support system I have been blessed to have. I met many of these types of men while working there and they succeeded and changed their lives. There is always something more we can learn. There is always something more we can do to make life a little more bearable. These programs and rehabilitation offered to inmates at the prison, at least at the time I spent there, have been proven to undoubtedly help those with mental illness.
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