Pack up. These are two fearsome words to hear when you’re incarcerated, unless you’re going home getting your freedom. Lost, stolen, and never returned. That’s what many incarcerated people complain of concerning their personal property. From moving cells to moving to different buildings, or transferring units or facilities, you’re told to pack up. A lot of times, personal items, such as family photos, commissary, legal mail are often lost, stolen, and never seen again. This is a hurtful and traumatic experience. Officers are responsible for packing up inmate property and storing it in the property room, and many times this does not happen. The property is usually left out carelessly to be snatched up, burglarized, and shoplifted. People lose their most sacred possessions because of the officers’ carelessness and negligence.
Due to Texas new rules concerning the mail system, family and loved ones can no longer send mail in of photos and cards. Only digital mail or email are allowed, which is uploaded on the Securis tablet. For some people, those family photos are the lifeline that keeps them sane. Due to the fact that officers intentionally act reckless when it concerns incarcerated people’s personal possessions, there’s a constant fear, sadness, and anger that consumes the prison’s atmosphere. What may seem simple is complex. As incarcerated people suffer, not only has their freedom been taken away, but the few possessions that they can have are being taken away from them too. We need reform, protection, ethical conduct, and solidarity. Through resilience, I persevere. Communicating from the barriers of solitary confinement is from female to male transgender, Xandan Gulley for Prison Radio.
These commentaries are recorded by Prison Radio.
