This general issue of the Journal of Prisoners on Prisons edited by Justin Piché and Kevin Walby features articles by current and former prisoners documenting the latest trends in penal policy and practice in the United States. The issue also features an article to “The Dialogue on the Canadian Carceral State” that explores the punitiveness of Canada’s immigration system, a “Response” paper on the struggle over the future of the decommissioned Prison for Women (P4W) as a site of memory, as well as “Prisoners’ Struggles” contributions, and a book review. The cover art, featuring the pieces “Carceral Landscape” and “Close the Bastard Down!”, was created by Peter Collins – a former Canadian prisoner serving a life sentence who died behind bars of cancer. Published in English.

Millions of Americans are embroiled in the penal system - and tens of millions more are at risk of being sent to prison for crimes large and small. "Stay Out Of Prison: A Practical Guide to Avoiding Incarceration" is an in-depth look at criminal thinking and criminal behavior, the legal system, how crimes are investigated and prosecuted, and how you can minimize your chances of being imprisoned. An excellent book both for those who may be running the risk of incarceration, as well as those who worry about their family members or friends.

Is prison a humane form of punishment and an effective means of rehabilitation? Are current prison policies, such as shifting resources away from rehabilitation toward housing more offenders, improving the safety and lives of incarcerated populations? Considering that many Canadians have served time, are currently incarcerated, or may one day be incarcerated–and will be released back into society–it is essential for the functioning and betterment of communities that we understand the realities that shape the prison experience for adult male offenders. Surviving Incarceration reveals the unnecessary and omnipresent violence in prisons, the heterogeneity of the prisoner population, and the realities that different prisoners navigate in order to survive. Ricciardelli draws on interviews with almost sixty former federal prisoners to show how their criminal convictions, masculinity, and sexuality determined their social status in prison and, in consequence, their potential for victimization. The book outlines the modern "inmate code" that governs prisoner behaviours, the formal controls put forth by the administration, the dynamics that shape sex-offender experiences of incarceration, and the personal growth experiences of many prisoners as they cope with incarceration.

A call to replace Canada’s incarceration model, which has proven destructive, discriminatory, expensive, counterproductive, and — most of all — unnecessary. Imprisonment developed in the Western world as the punishment to suit all offences, from violent assault to victimless drug use. Centuries ago, incarcerating convicts represented progress on society’s part, since it came as a replacement for capital punishment, maiming, and torture. Our current model — taking away convicts’ freedom and holding them in degrading and unhealthy prison conditions — promotes recidivism and jeopardizes public safety. It is highly discriminatory, with disproportionate numbers of ethnic, indigenous, mentally ill, drug-dependent, poor, and otherwise marginalized people imprisoned. It is also ruinously expensive. Elsewhere, alternative correctional systems successfully rehabilitate offenders while treating them with dignity and respect. This book lays out the case for a complete overhaul of Canada’s ineffective incarceration model of criminal justice and for a new approach.

The definitive guide to surviving incarceration in a federal prison. Federal Prison Handbook teaches individuals facing incarceration, prisoners who are already inside, and their friends and family everything they need to know to protect themselves and their rights. The thorough information has been compiled by an advocate currently serving time at a federal prison. His insider's view of this unknown world guides inmates through the mental stresses of confinement. Equally as important, he keeps readers physically safe by explaining how to avoid the near-constant conflicts found inside federal prisons. In detailed chapters broken down by topical areas, readers discover: * What to expect during admissions and how to greet cellmates for the first time. * How to communicate with the outside world through telephones, computers, and mail. * What types of items can be purchased from the official commissary and the underground economy. * The best ways to avoid fights, and the options that provide the greatest protection if a fight cannot be avoided. * The knowledge required to avoid scams, schemes, theft, and other problems. * What to do about sexual harassment or assault. * The types of jobs available and their pay grades. * Medical and psychological services. * Religious activities and services. * Entertainment, recreation, and keeping fit. * And much more. Importantly, this text provides detailed instructions on how prisoners can protect their rights. The author is a college-educated prisoner who has fought extensively to preserve his rights and the rights of other prisoners. Incarceration can be cruel for prisoners and their loved ones. Know what to expect and make the best of this time by staying safe, remaining safe, and building a life behind bars.