Prison News
Yelp Reviews of Prisons
Inmates are now resorting to Yelp to voice their complaints about prisons and jails. Although prisons and jails have usually an administrative process for filing complaints, it is well known by savvy inmates that you risk an unofficial retaliation from the correctional officers. The retaliation can range from a minor response to a major reaction. Inmates have used Yelp to make public what prison is like at their institution. The following excerpt describes this ingenious use of the internet for public discussion of prison life.
By Daniel Easterman – The Telegraph
From advice on how to get double food rations to allegations of abuse by correctional officers, the web-based service fills a new niche with American prison reviews.
Yelp is intended to allow people to write and rate local businesses such as restaurants, bars and shops.
Inmates claim that they have turned to Yelp as a way of airing grievances which could be dangerous to voice directly to the prison authorities. It is alleged that complaints made by prisoners in formal administrative hearings can often result in unsanctioned retribution by officers.
One former prisoner, identifying herself only as “Judith H.” wrote under a posting for the “Sing Sing” correctional facility in New York: “It is hell on earth. The people that work there are the most unprofessional staff in the world and the rudest. I wouldn’t even let them tend my animals much less human beings.”
Not entirely sure what this will accomplish since the “consumers” of the prisons are not there by choice (for the most part – there are ways to petition to move to another prison in Ohio, for instance), but maybe it will raise awareness of what’s going on in some of the worst offender prisons.
By Tonya–Not entirely sure what this will accomplish since the “consumers” of the prisons are not there by choice (for the most part – there are ways to petition to move to another prison in Ohio, for instance), but maybe it will raise awareness of what’s going on in some of the worst offender prisons.
By James–Instances involving legitimate complaints of any form of misconduct, will be delayed by incorporating and/or utilizing social media networking sites, as the information will almost certainly be forwarded to an investigative authority or other appropriate mechanism. Slowing the process down, for the sake of sensationalism without the ability to verify or confirm allegations, does nothing more than further muddy the water (so to speak).
By Nanaymie–“When I lived in the State of Vermont, the Protection and Advocacy System was involved with complaints generated from inmates. It worked in collaboration with Vermont Prisoner’s Health Coalition, the Alliance for Prison Justice and others. P&A fielded complaints taken by social workers and Masters level mental health clinicians in the field and brought them back for legal review by staff attorneys. I was involved with a statewide survey done on healthcare being received by inmates. Complaints being received from people with disabilities highlighted some major systemic issues. Are there any other states that are trying to implement ANY… Read more »