Reader’s Choice
In this blog, we at JPay usually like to take a corrections-related news item, summarize it, and relate it to our customers or our business. We hope that over the last few months, you’ve found this approach entertaining and informative… and judging by the volume of comments we’ve received, you do.
But this week we’d like to ask you directly: what would you like to see in this space? What issues interest you, and what would you like to see us pay more attention to?
In the comments section, please tell us your ideas, the news stories that caught your eye, the corrections-related themes that you’d like to explore further. Our editor will read your suggestions and after the Thanksgiving break, we’ll publish a few posts based on your feedback.
Thanks again for reading. Don’t be shy with your comments!
21 Comments
Kristal Polera
November 17, 2011Amazing website ! I’ve just added it to bookmarks.
Johhny5
November 17, 2011I think this site is awesome. I’d like to hear what people think about the death penalty. Im sure our JPay family members have strong feelings bout that…I, for one, am totally opposed to it.
axel
November 18, 2011I like the way you are doing it just fine right now. I live in South Africa so I don’t always have access to all the relevant information and your blogs are very enlightening. I particularly enjoy reading the comments. Keep up the great work and thanks for the service you provide – It’s cool to be able to communicate in almost real time. Axel
Summer Fey
November 18, 2011My husband is an inmate at the Wynne Unit of TDCJ at Huntsville. For months there has been a health issue in the visitation room. They insist on visitors opening up sealed snacks they bought from the vending machines there in the visitation waiting room, and placing them in plastic bowls/trays they have sitting out on a card table. They say this is because of contraband (cell phones, marijuana) being smuggled in with the snacks. I object to this practice because it is unsanitary; and also because it is degrading to feed my husband out of a bowl or tray like he is a dog. He asked me to stop buying him snacks as long as this practice is in effect, and I agree. I have written letters to the warden, the assistant warden, the Ombudsman’s office, the regional director, and Representative White’s office. Rep. White’s secretary called the assistant warden about it, but their office takes the prison’s side and literally brushed me off last time we spoke on the phone. I have had no reply from the other offices. In my letters, I suggested a better method would be to have a guard stationed to check the snacks to make sure they are still sealed before we enter the visiting area. They have not responded. I visited my husband on 11/6 and the bowls/trays were still being used. Other inmates are refusing to buy snacks, too. It is unhealthy and unsanitary. Is there anything you can do about this situation?
Beth
November 18, 2011My grandson is an inmate at Huntsvillen and its good news for me to beable to send him letters through JPay
Jack Mitchum
November 18, 2011@ Johnny. I’m with you 100% of the way. For a number of reasons, if we as society take revenge by killing people are we any better than murderers ourselves?
Trix Clerx
November 20, 2011I am a penpal to a man in deathrow. I am dutch and don’t know much about the American system. I like to hear about the living conditions of inmates of deathrow.
Pedro Padilla
November 21, 2011My son is doing a 15 year sentence for robbery. He was 17 when he was imprisoned. I have heard of new legislation to reduce sentences. I’d like to know more information on this as I cannot afford a lawyer to help me. How can I get some assistance with what is happening with this legislation?
Jack Mitchum
November 21, 2011@ Trix Clerx: Nee jy wil niet weet. Dit is aaklig. Dit is die skande van die vrije wereld. Geen mens kan glo dat Amerikaners verantwoordlik kan wees vir so iets afgrijslik. Keep up the good work. You will be amazed at what joy you will find. I too write to someone on Death Row.
Connie
November 23, 2011With so many innocent people being sent to prison, there is no way anyone should be executed – the odds are just too horrifying to consider. It has been said that one in ten Americans are incarcerated. Why do we sit back, ashamed? We need to stand up and fight the injustice. This year a local politician was sentenced to only 18 months for 200 pounds of marijuana! I know a young black man (first offense) doing many years for less than one pound. Is everyone else afraid, like me, that your loved one will be targeted if you speak out?
Crystal Diemert
November 24, 2011Our current prison system is broken and it is obvious by the overcrowding. Social systems that were in place to address issues such as addiction are gone. People of low social economic status, particularly those of color, are disproportionately represented in the prison system for lack of good representation. I would like to see more information that addresses any of these areas.
Kate
November 25, 2011I would like to see an article about ways to uplift a loved one who is incarcerated and how to help them cope with what they’re going through.
jamie
November 27, 2011you know altho we all have opions on the leagle system and we all have loved ones or friends in a bad situation that we wish we could change.. the fact of the matter is..as bad as we think or feel things are and we all miss and love our loved ones and friends.. what i would like to see is all of us pulling together.. there are mothers who have children and fathers who have children and because of a situation that is non of the childrens fault it is christmas time.. a time of giveing and careing a time that we should think of those inocent children that may not have a christmas.. it would be nice to hear of jpay comeing together to give them a wonderfull holiday from people who understand what the are going thru.. or maybe even doing something to give the inmates a special holiday idk.. something possative.. it would bring hope i think..
Linda
November 28, 2011JPay is a real benefit for those who have access. It means fathers can stay involved with their children, and sons can assure their mothers. Good communication is a foundation for returning to the family, to the community, to the outside world. People who have been incarcerated (especially for a long time) need contact with family and solid friendships in order to build a life beyond prison walls. Staying out of prison means having to change the lifestyle that put someone behind bars, and that is tough. Everyone who communicates with an inmate has the responsibility to provide the very best example, and the most positive outlook possible, so that the inmates we care about have a light for their paths. Thanks to JPay, communication is much easier than before.
Sarah
December 14, 2011I too have a loved one in the wynne unit. I totally agree with you,Summer Fey. My man actually ask me not to buy anything. we are paying them to keep or men opressed. What really bothers me is how they over charge non violent crimes and minimize the ones that endanger children and rape women,boys, and children. well as long as we have jpay .we at least have a place to vent our frustrations. Thanks jpay.
julia
December 14, 2011i have been trying to get info. my son as well as many others have i say been victom to publkic defenders who work for the county they are in and do nothing to help except push these guys into taking plea deals from prosecuters, by scaring them and telling them theres nothing they can do to help , its horrible
Fred
December 28, 2011It makes it a lot easier for us to communicate with our loved ones as often as we can afford to purchess stamps and they recieve it within 48hrs as to a few or more days. The system put them so far away we can’t afford to go visit so this allows me to keep feeding him positive thoughts and refresh him that god did this for a reason as a wake up call.
Tamika
December 29, 2011If anyone hear of any new laws for the state of Michigan please post them:)
Charles Storer
January 8, 2012Linda: I agree, as I’ve been involved for quite a few years in the sort of friendship role described in your Nov 28 comment. My experience has shown, however, that communication and example-setting are not always enough, especially when potential addiction or mental health issues remain unrecognized/untreated by those running the “system.”
Scott MacRobbie
February 7, 2012I have just been recently released, having been supported by a family member the whole time incarcerated, the J-Pay system does work. I am now using it to stay in contact and help out some friends.
To all of those family members out there waiting on someone who is on the inside. If you tell your incarcerated loved one, family member or friend that you are going to do something for them, even something as simple as writing a letter. Please do it, you have no idea how difficult it is for most offenders who are promised something, that is never received. If you can not do it, don’t promise it. If you can do something, let them know after it is done, that way there is no dissappointment and heartbreak, only joy and happiness.
Many offenders are waiting for that next letter or that next trip to commissary. None like the “Walk of Shame”, coming back empty handed and frustrated from mail call or the prison store.
Thank you!!
roz
February 8, 2012We as a society need to stop throwing away lives by putting people behind bars for ridiculously long periods of time and forgetting about them. It’s high time we did more in the way of educating inmates in work related skills and living in society peacefully and give them the love they may never have received growing up . Some inmates have never had a kind or loving hand to guide them in life.Maybe if we treated them with love, kindness and respect they would learn to give the same back to the world.