Living in a Prison Town

Dr. Susan Jones

As I was driving through town, listening to the radio, I heard someone describe the town where I live as having prisons and a bridge. The radio host went on to explain to the listeners that the “bridge” was the highest suspension bridge in the world and it brings in thousands of tourists every year. Then, the radio host moved on – no mention of the prisons. I reflected upon this interaction as I continued to run errands. I live in a small town in Colorado that is by all accounts “prison central” for the state. This small town is surrounded by both state and federal prisons and many, if not most, of the people in the town are working at one of these institutions, living with someone who is working at one of these institutions, or making a living by providing goods to the prison employees and their families. Canon City, Colorado is not the only such town. In fact, there are many locations in the United States that have become the hub of the prison industry. This type of town is more than just a town with a prison. This type of town’s history, economy and culture are woven into the history, economy, and culture of the prison... read full story

Also this week:

• Rigorous Multi-Site Evaluation Finds HOPE Probation Model Offers No Advantage Over Conventional Probation in Four Study Sites
• Checkmate: Prison Chess Competition More Than Just a Game for Both Inmates and Students
• Ten possible New Year’s Resolutions for Corrections Staff
• If You Don’t Trust Cops, You Don’t Report Crimes?