Comments on: Guarding Sing Sing

By: James A

James A — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:03:25 +0000

Looking forward to reading the rest of your book, been on the job for 3 years in Ontario. Would like to see the comparison between our federal and your state jails. I appreciate the path you took to get the information you did, many would not have tried or approached it in such a unique way.

By: jose rios

jose rios — Sat, 21 May 2011 01:42:35 +0000

I have to say that for the most part your right on the money with your discrption of the going on of the facility. I was on the other side of the bars, and spent five years in B-block. It was the most violent place I have ever been in and around. I most definitely appreciate the fact that you mentioned the removal of all these programs that use to keep us busy. I was one left with college credits when they took the grants and the colleges left. I was so lost after that. College was a very inspiring experience to say the least. Yes, there were those who looked for that encounter of violence, and for us on the other side it wasn’t if but when it was your turn. That tendency to be negative and full of hatred was almost like a cloud that hung over the entire place. Both officers and inmates alike had there bad apples that seemed to love the atmosphere. I remember so many things of my own experience as I read this article. I cryed at some of them and shivered at others. Survival. Is it not ingrained in our human psychy. Seriously, I have to say I felt what you wrote. Don’t stop now.

By: Mike Myers

Mike Myers — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:22:46 +0000

NEWJACK is great! I’m currently a CO and it’s NEWJACK that initially got me interested in doing this type of work along with wanting to know what really goes on inside our prisons. Ted Conover is a great writer and NEWJACK is fantastic!!!!

By: Bill leVan

Bill leVan — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:17:46 +0000

We once lived in a small California town some of whose residents sought to have the State build a prison nearby for the jobs and income it would create. The initiative was eventually voted down. I was one who voted against it because of my objection to having so many prison guards in the community.

It was interesting to read of your experiences at Sing Sing. Especially since you came to it with a positive liberal opinion of humanity and how the constant contact with meanness and brutality seemed to somewhat beat that out of you.

It is a shame in my opinion that there are prisons that are only holding pens with no thought that some of these prisoners will be released back into our community and will need job skills to survive outside the prison.

By: Maria Sanchez

Maria Sanchez — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:24:55 +0000

Hi,

This book is an open-eye of everything or almost everything that is happening in our jails. It is a wonderful experience for me to read your book that have so much insight about your experiences. My ex-husband used to be a Correctional Officer also and I was working for the central offices and I know how difficult it is to comply with the rules and regulations inside. Your book is the best.

By: Bruce Brent

Bruce Brent — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 04:13:48 +0000

Hi im writing you just to let you know how interesting your book has been so far. Im taking up criminal corrections right now in school and your book is sworn by my teacher and ive heard from many other students taking up the same major that the book is great!!! im only in the second chapter but what i have read so far has caught my eye and im havn a hard time putting the book down.The funny part is that i am so not a book reader,and now i want to keep reading yours but obviously i got to take a break n do the family thing too. well i cant wait to continue your book and i will write to let you know what i thought about the rest!! take care and thank you for your time

sincerely, Bruce Brent