Guarding Sing Sing Sing Analysis

Conover, the author of “Guarding Sing Sing”, is a journalist with a reformer 's dream, who is attempting to reform prisons due to their many issues within them. Conover in his attempt to shine light and gain knowledge from within; requested permission to write about the experiences of a recruit; also known as a “newjack.” The request was denied. So instead, he became his subject by becoming himself, a Correctional Officer. He writes about his many experiences as a CO for a whole year. This is “a devastating chronicle of the toll prison takes on the prisoners and the keepers of the keys” as stated by Star Tribune of Minneapolis.
In this paper, I try to describe the historical relevance this particular prison has; regarding the layout, punishment …show more content…
The dehumanizing aspect of institutionalization. To end such prevalent problem throughout prisons in the United States, I would first implement and extend the police policy of requiring the use of guard body cameras, which they must wear at all times. This medium will deter sexual misconduct as well as serve as surveillance for many other issues within prisons because there will be accountability; people will have to believe the evidence not just the words of a criminal. Some problems that might occur are financing these cameras; maybe the budget will be an issue. Another problem could be the guard 's not willing to wear it; maybe because it is a new custom or because they are part of the sexual misconduct problem. In this case, I believe that to be a guard one must agree to all terms including that of following procedures that include the wearing of body cameras at all times. In turn, this should result in better-trained guards since the guards know they will be accountable when breaking any procedures. Furthermore, I think the academy should better train new recruits to prevent the confusion Conover had his first encounter trying to back up another