Friday, February 1, 2019

Don't Call Convicts "Convicts"

Is it humiliating to make prisoners wear striped clothing? Is it cruel and unusual punishment to call convicts "convicts"?  MDOC Commissioner Pelecia Hall thinks so.  The Clarion-Ledger reported this week:


The House Corrections Committee approved a bill Wednesday to buy new uniforms for state prisoners that won't have "M.D.O.C. Convict" written on the back.

The uniforms would also be free of stripes.

The change will cost more than $1 million, said Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Pelicia Hall, who is pushing for the new uniforms.
Hall said there is a negative connotation to wearing a uniform with the word "convict" emblazoned across it.

Hall told members of the committee MDOC spends about $676,000 a year on prison uniforms. She said it will cost about $400,000 additionally in a one-time cost for the new uniforms. Then the cost will be roughly about the same annually.

House Corrections Chairman Bill Kinkaide, R-Byhalia, said Mississippi is now the only state that still uses the striped prisoner uniforms with the word "convict" written on them.

Kinkaide said MDOC is looking at some type of colored shirt and dungaree uniform... Rest of article.
The legislature voted in 1994 to change the clothing from blue denim to the current striped clothes that state "MDOC Convict" on the back.  Representative McInnis said at the time "We want a prisoner to look like a prisoner, to smell like a prisoner, and, ever who's going to do it, to taste like a prisoner. When you see one of these boogers aloose, you'll say, I didn't know we had zebras in Mississippi.."  He continued during the legislative debate: "Some of them prisoners, you couldn't humiliate 'em with a humiliatin' machine."





45 comments:

Strother Martin said...

Let's also agree to remove self-esteem-threatening stuff like razor wire, doors consisting of iron bars and cold-aluminum commodes. Those things do nothing but diminish self-worth.

Anonymous said...

Why are we paying for CONVICTS' clothing? This should be something provided by the CONVICT'S family - require the family to put funds in commissary to be used for DOC approved uniforms.

Or maybe we can just get them a gift certificate to [insert your favorite urban wear store here] and they can blend in when the escape.

I'm tired of these idiots coddling criminals, and not wanting to call something what it actually is because of feelings, or something.

Anonymous said...

I can't say that this is the dumbest, least-needed piece of legislation advanced by the Mississippi legislature, but it damn sure ranks up there. In fact, it's not the dumbest piece of legislation Pelecia is pushing this year (her futile effort to hide everything from disclosure under the Public Records Act is number 1). But is this really a problem that deserves our highest attention and taxpayer dollars? Humiliation? Stigma? In prison? In the famous words of Charlie Brown: "Good grief."

Anonymous said...

First, the vote was in 1995 not 1993.

Secondly, it only passed the House by one or two votes. It was a stand alone amendment by Rep. McInnis, who was quite the comedian.

Other than "why humiliate the inmates?', the main argument against the amendment in 1995 was that it would cost about $1 million to switch from non-descript uniforms to striped uniforms. Today, the cost will again by about $1 million but the proponents say that MS Prison Industries can do it for less. MS Prison Industries ran well for about two decades but has lately been run into the ground by Gov. Phil Bryant and his people, who have turned it from a money-maker into a money-losing job fair for hiring their political cronies.

Keep the stripes now that they are there. There are bigger issues to remedy at MS Dept of Corrections.

Jed Clampett said...

Pity-ful, just pity-ful.

Anonymous said...

I am one of the weird ones who believes there actually should be a stigma associated with being convicted and gong to jail. I don't believe it should be a place people DON'T mind going (or going back!) I also don't think it serves society well to have a place called prison that's generally no more than a good place to create more efficient criminals.

No, if the inmates are hot/cold, uncomfortable, stigmatized by their clothing, etc., that's actually not a negative to me. With very few exceptions, they were in 100% control of whether they ended up in prison in the first place.

Am I just a mean person?

Anonymous said...

Lets not hurt their feelings.
I for one believe that we had much less problems in 1960's and 70's when prisoners were made to work and when they got out there was a greater chance they would not return. But I forgot, we are giving them the right to vote now so they can vote on a Representative to get them new duds.

Anonymous said...

She's a smart lady, but this is a headscratcher. Her department is begging for more money and she wants to blow a million on new uniforms? Medical costs increasing, her guards need a pay bump badly...but instead inmates are getting new clothes.

Just wow, Pelicia.

Bye, Pelecia! said...

Let's give them Marithe + Francois Girbaud jeans that are three sizes too big, Fubu shirts, Kangol hats, and Jordans with no laces. That way when they want to excape, all they have to do is walk away and blend in with the crowd.

Anonymous said...

Build a tent city. Hell, I have to work in the outside elements. So they need comfort?

Anonymous said...

What we have is failure to communicate.

Anonymous said...

This makes sense to me. At the hearing they said MS is one of only a couple states that do this. I don't think it's helped us in any way. When you consider that almost everyone in prison will be released at some point, they should really do a better job of preparing them to reenter the community. Uniforms that reflect real clothes is a step in that direction, even if a very small one.

Anonymous said...

If you cage someone and treat them like an animal, they will act like one. If you call someone an "offender" they become even more conditioned to act this way. Corrections is meant to actually correct behavior, but that's not happening.

Anonymous said...

I just pray to God that they don't go to tacky orange jumpsuits. Then, how will be able to tell the difference between dirty, violent, ignorant Tennessee fans and convicts?

Anonymous said...

put them in pink (some will like more than others)

Anonymous said...

Bring back the barrel and cotton strap. Prison should not be a country club or a Criminal vocational Tec School. Ever hear a Criminal say Parchman Farm was a bad experience. Cons use to hate in and didn't want to go back. I would support a pink uniform with a bulls eye stripes on the back.

Anonymous said...

I would much prefer that at least some of the inmates came out better people. Not sure this if this would help any, but I certainly don’t think making them wear stripes has helped deter any crime in the past. Also, why can’t they just phase these in over a period as the old ones wear out? Something smells fishy with that extra $400k.

Anonymous said...

I was going to say what a stupid "F'n" idea, and then I saw that it was our state legislators and realized that it was a given then

Anonymous said...

If any change is required, replace the old clothing as they wear out. Shouldn’t be ONE RED CENT spent to keep from harming the sensibilities of Convicts and Politicans that feel this is needed.

Anonymous said...

Maybe the new uniforms will have the Ralph Lauren Polo logo and come in different colors to reflect the different seasons of the year. That will make the convicts feel better about themselves.

Anonymous said...

Joe Arpaio in Nevada had em living in tents and wore pink uniforms. Gave em bologna sandwiches too.

Anonymous said...

I visit Gulf County Florida frequently and note there are three state facilities there. One is an "honor camp" which means the prisoners get to work on the roads, beaches, and other public facilities mowing and cleaning and of late doing hurricane recovery. It's an "honor" to be trusted to do the work and the folks doing the work get paid -- perhaps not much -- but best of all come home at night with the same feelings of self-worth that many non-convicts have. They put up signs that say "prisoners working ahead."

"Convict" only means a person who has been convicted -- how is that bad?

I do not hate or depersonalize prisoners. I do hate and depersonalize self-righteous pieces of doody who do (and communists, and homosexuals). I respect anybody who works -- at a profession, a trade, or on the chain gang.

Anonymous said...

How would the "found guilty" feel about vertical stripes with a Chaps or Polo logo?

Anonymous said...

Smells like "pay for play" with the vendor for the clothing. Just needed an excuse for the contract.

Anonymous said...

Henceforth convicts will be deemed Mandatory Guests.

Anonymous said...

heres a chance for the mississippi legislature to do what they do best.......SOLVE A PROBLEM THAT DOESNT EXIST

Anonymous said...

Since fences are immoral, lets remove all fences around our prisons.........

Anonymous said...

It was only a matter of time before one convict asked another "Does this (horizontal stripes) make me look fat?"

Anonymous said...

LOL. They have no shame. I want a lucrative gov’t contract, too. Where can I go to get one?

Anonymous said...

Need a contract with a penal colony to send our convicted. Let’s get smart and build our own devils island. But, if you want to spend money on attire. Go knock yourself out! Most of our legislators will vote for anything.

George Malvaney said...

Political correctness meets the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Where does it end? They are convicts as I once was.

Anonymous said...

Why not allow prisoners who so desire to buy a standardized, non-striped prison-appropriate uniform (like denims, khakis, etc.), made at the prisons and sold at cost to the prisoners, for which they could ONLY (no money deposited from the outside) pay for with wages earned working in the various prison enterprises? You know, sort of like the real world - normal, honest folks must earn the money to pay for whatever wardrobe they desire. Those who don't want to buy it (or refuse to work) can wear the striped uniforms. Those who really cannot work could receive an appropriate number of uniforms per year.

Heck, I've never understood why prisoners who show promise as to rehabilitation cannot be allowed to earn a wide range of prison-appropriate items and/or privileges (beyond things prisoners can currently buy in the commissary) via working harder. Again, just like what normal, honest folks tend to do in the real world.

If the admittedly laudable goal is to help those prisoners who wish to help themselves rehabilitate and enter society, why not allow them to learn the benefits of working harder and earning more? Yeah, I know, too much common sense to make "sense."

Anonymous said...

At one time the stripes cost more. But the legislature voted to make the change. I’m ok with changing as the stripes need replacing if the new cost less. I don’t buy new until I need new.

Anonymous said...

Good grief.., are you serious Ms. your leaders are hideous. Can’t help but look at you guys my fellow citizens. Can’t you see this is Bryant. MDOC facilities are operating at less than half staff. Recently calling for lockdowns state wide. The lowest paid guards across the nation. Now let’s get this right she wants to purchase new uniforms at a staggering cost of 1mil+. Is this not the most asinine thing ever. It’s about the disgrace of convicts and feelings. Or how they appear when they are seen on work details for those in trustee status. Be a leader be what you get paid to do next will be sensitivy classes for the prison guard at the maximum security sites across your state. It’s about as obvious as ever that the Gov of MS can not make any agency head appointments. Bless his heart his last 11 months in office he will set you guys further back. I guess he was appointed to every thing and never earned it. Got his name on a state wide ballot and poof he’s Gov. if the only agenda this 2019 session are MDOC uniforms then MS you guys don’t have any problems. The Gov will call a special session to take up real issues within the state. Like hundreds of bridges closed Statewide

Anonymous said...

Anyone notice how her behavior closely mimics that of Marshal Fisher? We don't need no danged transparency over here in my agency. Ain't nunya bidnis what goes on.

Anonymous said...

Pelicia is a clone of Fisher. He trained her and still calls the shots. You can believe it or not.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Ms Hall. They aren’t “convicts.” They are murders, rapists, child molesters, armed robbers, etc. Let’s get away from that mean old term “convict” and call a spade a spade. Put their crime on their clothes. That’ll solve the issue.

Anonymous said...

Commissioner,
Please stop being stupid. Just change the name on new clothes. Don’t waste tax payer money to change them all at once.
Thank you,
What every Mississippian is thinking

Anonymous said...

I live on a fixed retirement income each month.. If I over spend before the end of the month I run out of money & have to each bologna sandwiches too (2:36 PM). I'm not complaining, but I buy all my clothes at Goodwill. This is because I live within my budget. I really hate that paying all these taxes I pay from my income goes toward such CRAP like designer clothes for convicts. Maybe, convicts should wear the Mississippi State flag on their back. Wouldn't the rest of the nation be livid over this. Our elected officials get crazier & crazier with each vote.

Anonymous said...

10:07 maybe if you would have worked a little harder and planned better, you might have more income in retirement and not have to shop at goodwill while eating bologna sandwiches (and not complaining). Thank goodness you can afford your cellphone and/or wifi so you can espouse your views on JJ.

Anonymous said...

If you have a problem with your fixed retirement income, go back to work. Saw a nice man working at the liquor store yesterday in his 80s.

Quit. Your. Bitching.

Flipchart and PowerPoint said...

In today's world, we have shifted the paradigm from that of bringing in consultants to work with the management team to one of using mentors. It's entirely common now for a hiring authority (Bryant) to appoint a mentor (Fisher) to work with, guide and tutor an employee in training (Hall).

However, the most effective management model requires a knowledgeable hiring authority, a competent mentor and a trainee with demonstrable potential. In this case, Mississippi has none of the three.

Will someone please volunteer to write on the sheets I've taped to the wall while we move through this Power Point? Marshal? Anyone?

Ghost of Epps said...

Look closely at the photo posted at the top of this thread. I just can't decide what it is but something seems to be wrong with it. Reckon what it might be?

Anonymous said...

This is what happens when you put a feelings-motivated, "politically-correct" appointee in charge, instead of an experienced person who fully understands the need to properly punish lawbreakers.

Anonymous said...

I know a good idea! Let’s also paint those Nissan versas pink



Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.