The June edition of this paper contained an informative article titled “Prison Nation.” However the serious issue of overcrowding was not mentioned, even though it is prevalent throughout the system.

At Essex County Correctional Facility in Massachusetts, upwards of 80 inmates spend each night sleeping on the floor of the gymnasium inside plastic “canoes” because no cells are available. To make matters worse, everyone there must share a single sink and toilet.

New inmates to the facility are not issued all the items listed in the “Inmate Handbook” because of the chronic shortages. For example, instead of being issued two uniforms, each prisoner is given only one. This makes it essentially impossible to get your uniform washed.

Some people believe criminals should suffer and that by making jail a horrible place it will discourage future crime. These same people don't realize that many of the inmates at county jails are awaiting trial. What happened to being innocent until proven guilty? Remember, one day you or a family member may be in one of these facilities

Jason Gerhard
Middleton, MA