Favoritism in Jails

In the course of my 45 days in county jail, I saw favoritism time and time again. In a system meant to reform criminals, why are some criminals revered while others are punished?

On a daily basis I witnessed countless acts of favoritism in jail. I realize that favoritism is a normal part of life but has to be stopped in our jails. Detention officers blatantly favor some detainees over others and it causes large amounts of dissension within the jails. These blatant acts of favoritism only help the officers to lose respect and often dignity because they can be so easily influenced by a criminal.

Some detainees are allowed to roam freely while others would be disciplined for the same action. The officers allow certain individuals to "run" everything and except for the orange jumpsuit you would swear the criminals where in charge at times.

Favoritism in the jail I resided in seemed to be based on seniority of sorts. Seniority was determined by the length of time you've been there, the frequency of your visits to the jail and your ability to take charge. There are many repeat offenders who laugh and joke with the officers as if they were talking to one of their girlfriends.

Race plays another large part in the favoritism of the jail I was in. blacks outnumber whites 15 to 1 and although color is not the sole reason for the favoritism it at least appears that way.

The cleaning crew within the jail is reached based on the length of your sentence and your "pull" within the system. I, for one, don't feel I should have to kiss an officers butt to be equal to my fellow criminals but it appears equality is based on the amount of brown nosing you perform.

The jail system is extremely biased and the first time detainee has truly no chance of being treated fairly. The seasoned criminals receive first and best of everything including supplies, rooms, meals and television choices. The career criminal has better opportunities with the officers and within the jail simply because they have been around long enough to know how to master the system. The detention officers, at least in my mind, compromise their integrity and honor by flexing to such favoritism. I think it is time that those in charge of these officers put a foot down and help restore order within these jail systems. The supervisors must step up and restore a sense of order. The favoritism within the jails doesn't help anyone and merely rewards criminals for continuing to be criminals.