Transcript
Nashay Wurtz Homework assignment: 5 Essay: 2 Ch. 9: terrorism Convicted terrorist Kevin James speaks in an interview bringing to light the issues that terrorism is present in modern day prisons. Authors of our text, Corrections in the 21st Century, Schmullger and Smykla reference the core issues are not only recruitment, but a danger that exists with the growing “gangs” or, better labeled, sophisticated social networks. These gangs are key to potentially planning terroristic acts within the facility (261, 263). Chip Ellis, research and program coordinator for the National Memorial Institute in the Prevention of Terrorism states "Prisoners are a captive audience, they usually have a diminished sense of self or a need for identity and protection. They’re usually a disenchanted or disenfranchised group of people, terrorists can sometimes capitalize on that situation" (261). Although the gangs in my current prison are almost obsolete, I empathize with Ellis’ synapse of an inmate. I’ve witnessed the concept of 'group think' and see it every day; most inmates act as if incapable to think independently. Most go along to get along. Most follow suit as a way to make friends or keep friends. I can see this following problematic because most don't understand if a situation like this would exist here - the bigger picture of it all. Inmates angry and embittered by their circumstance, that no longer have much communication with their family are typically the most vulnerable (261). These characteristics are associated with recruitment for terroristic gangs. Propaganda is another reality that exists to be problematic in the sense of terrorism in the prison system. Although the impact of spreading of information and ideas is marginally smaller in magnitude compared to a facility being attacked; these spreadings are just as important to catch. A report referenced in our text describes that the primary threat of radicalization comes from inmates, not the Muslim Clergy. The report states "Inmates from foreign countries politicize Islam and radicalize inmates, who in turn spread to more inmates when they transfer to other prisons" (262). Correspondence through the mail is also an issue. Letters not only are coming into the facility, but are going out. Some examples are listed in our text; three convicted terrorists were somehow able to send 90 letters praising Osama Bin Laden. The impact of terrorism and its ideals being spread along with the many ways to seek out potential, very easily influenced targets could lead to terrorist attacks being plotted inside the institutions. They have the opportunity to potentially utilize church services as a way for an excuse to meet. Terrorist acts can be planned to be carried out in our communities. It’s scary because in reality, the very beginning stages to an attack could essentially have begun, or have already began, right under our noses in correctional institutions across our country. A simple religious service or Native American ceremony can seem innocent at face value, when in all actuality, it is an opportunity to: amp up fellow inmates with false ideologies, spread propaganda, prey on naïve easily influenced inmates to make them feel in control of something other than their situation, recruit with fallacies, and to instill false senses of security to current members for continued support 'of the cause' in the future. These organizations could be, as the saying goes – hiding in plain sight. From my experience in prison, it has always been a disadvantage for women as we do not have as many services or jobs offered for us to partake in as the men's prison offers. However, because of this disadvantage, our prison offers less opportunities for women inmates to come together for more sinister motives. The services, jobs, and classes offered to inmates for which, then could in turn be used for recruitment or the spreading of propaganda - are easily pinpointable; there for in this case, a great advantage if it would be present. Terrorist groups such as the al-Qaeda or Islamic prison radicals, to my knowledge, do not exist here in this prison. However, terroristic organization’s definitions is not limited to only one meaning or solely the examples referenced in our text. Ultimately, terrorism is impacting our correctional institutions by the spreading of fallacies / propaganda and for recruitment. Inmates have proven to be very capable and resourceful when it comes down to getting things done. Specialists of inmate psychology states "inmates have lived a lifestyle of lying, and using people and manipulating others is a way of life," not only do inmates attempt to manipulate staff, they also fully accomplish controlling and deceiving fellow inmates (260). Although, again as I've stated we don't have much terrorism as other states, nor gangs. The subculture of these easily influenced inmates allow a realistic concern to emerge when thinking of the future or safety of communities in areas where larger prisons are located.