To: Governor Andrew Cuomo
Allow book donations, care packages, and visitors for prisoners
I believe that reducing inmate contact with the outside world is inhumane. If contraband is an issue in prisons, use airport style security to screen packages and visitors.
Why is this important?
Pilot programs are being conducted in some New York prisons that require inmates to purchase books from approved vendors, and care packages are additionally restricted. Various prisons nationwide are cutting off the option of in-person visitation in favor of online visitation.
Despite breaking the law, our prison population is still human. Humans require social contact. We should be opening as many avenues to personalized connection with the outside world as possible for the prison population. We should not be focusing on finances and expedience over the humane treatment of the people under the control of our justice system. Care packages and donated books should be allowed; if contraband is an issue, we should invest in airport-style security screening. In person visitation should never be withheld.
We are all personally affected by how we treat those lowest on the rungs of our society.
Despite breaking the law, our prison population is still human. Humans require social contact. We should be opening as many avenues to personalized connection with the outside world as possible for the prison population. We should not be focusing on finances and expedience over the humane treatment of the people under the control of our justice system. Care packages and donated books should be allowed; if contraband is an issue, we should invest in airport-style security screening. In person visitation should never be withheld.
We are all personally affected by how we treat those lowest on the rungs of our society.