This interview with a recently released prisoner was conducted in September 2005. Stay tuned for future installments of this interview. This person was a USW activist while behind bars and is working with RAIL since being released. His name has been changed to protect him from retaliation by the state.
MIM: How long were you in the SHU before you were released?
Miguel: I was entombed in SHU for approximately seven years before I was finally released.
MIM: Can you describe a typical day in the SHU?
Miguel: It's very monotonous. Prisoners are in a windowless cell for 22 1/2 hours per day with absolutely no view of the outside world. No sunlight. I tried to always keep myself occupied by reading, studying, and exercising in the cell...tried to keep occupied so as not to go insane. It's like everyday it's the same thing, same program or routine.
MIM: Did the prison do anything to prepare you for release?
Miguel: There was a prerelease course I took that was offered at the prison, but I wasn't given any actual help to prepare me psychologically for the streets in terms of help with adjusting to a totally different environment from the stark sterility of the SHU.
MIM: What happened when you got out?
Miguel: I went through the lengthy process of release and was given $200.00 gate money which is supposed to cover housing, transportation, food, and clothes...Luckily I was picked up at the gate by my cousin...But many prisoners who aren't fortunate to have a ride just get dropped off at the bus depot.
MIM: Do you have a job and housing?
Miguel: I am fortunate to have a lot of family support and work in a family owned business. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't have a job or housing. It's not typical of prisoners to have that. It's very difficult because many obstacles are placed in the way...the deck is stacked against you and the parole thing is designed to make an ex-prisoner fail. Opportunities to succeed rarely come.
MIM: After so many years of isolation, what did it feel like to be around lots of people again?
Miguel: It feels very strange being around other people. I feel highly nervous and anxious around others.
MIM: Has your parole officer helped you stay out and clean or has he made it more difficult for you?
Miguel: He has made it very difficult for me. I have received no type of help from him at all. It's like he's only concerned with sending me back to prison, back to the dungeon.
MIM: What are some of the effects of being in the SHU that you still feel?
Miguel: I have chronic insomnia, difficulty with adjusting to my new environment, difficulty with being around other people--difficulty being in social situations. And when I initially got out I acquired a drinking problem. I just wanted to escape because everything felt overwhelming. I was experiencing maladjustment and culture shock.