We all believe that a prison is a place where a criminal is sent to have all of their basic rights taken away and to serve time without any luxuries. But that's not always the case. You'd be surprised at just how much one can do behind bars while incarcerated. A lot of criminals keep repeating their offenses because they are living the life of Riley while on the inside. Here are some things that prisoners are allowed to have that will shock you.
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#1 Adult Entertainment
Most adults enjoy some form of adult entertainment, whether they are in a relationship or single. One prison in Belgium recognizes that need, and gives prisoners a chance to pay a monthly fee to have access to prisoncloud, or as we call it, porn! It's supposed to allow inmates deal with stress better and relate to more normal things in life.
#2 Healthcare
It might make you angry to learn that some prisoners are getting better healthcare than you can afford for yourself. Those who have never been behind bars have less coverage than those incarcerated, as prisons give full health care access to prisoners including regular checkups and medications. One recent study showed that inmates are more likely to die after being released due to having full access to health care behind bars.
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#3 MP3 Players And Music
Music is going to happen no matter where someone is, and some prisons are now allowing inmates to have access to records players and old records, which they can buy at the prison store. Some are selling MP3 players to inmates to use. They can then use earned money and credits to download music from the store from a list of over 1 million approved songs. Anything with explicit language or about brutality or violence is blocked. Otherwise, inmates are being encouraged to get into the groove these days.
#4 Tablets
Not everyone can afford a tablet, iPad or Kindles, etc. so why should inmates have them? Experts say that if rehabilitation and reentering society is the goal, inmates need access to the real world and to be able to keep up with technology. There are companies such as Jpay and Edovo that create tablets just like an iPad for inmates to use. The devices allow prisoners to send email, talk to family, receive videos, take classes, and chat. This also keeps them out of trouble and helps with transitioning back into society.
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#5 Video Games
Some families can't even afford a video game console because they are just too expensive and the games are outrageously high. In the UK, they provide prisoners with video game systems and all the current games. However, access to the games must be earned with good behavior and an establishment of trust. A UK study showed that inmates who play video games are less likely to be in fights.
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#6 Subscription Based TV
You already knew that prisons offered television to inmates, but did you realize that in Britain, the televisions are connected to cable/satellite subscription devices that are very expensive? The premium channels are known as SKY, and most families can't afford to have these devices and subscriptions but in the prisons, they get it for free. And what's worse, each inmate can have a television in his or her cell by paying a monthly rental fee or having a family member purchase it for them.
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#7 Recreation Activities
Yes, we all know that prisons have gyms and basketball courts for inmates to let off some stream. In Norway, where prisoners are housed in bungalows surrounded by water, they also have access to recreational equipment that no other prisons offer. Inmates on good behavior can go fishing, skiing, and even horseback riding. As with any other benefits, this is all based on good behavior and making sure the guards can trust you. The concept is being experimented with in Canada, Australia, and Germany as well. The activities help prepare the inmates for life on the outside and keep physically healthy.
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#8 Animals
One of the best privileges in prisons today is the ability for those doing time to adopt a pet. All over the globe, prisons are allowing inmates to adopt cats, dogs, and even birds. The inmates then spend their own money on caring for the furry friend and learn reading so they can take better care of the animals. In the United State, many prisons now let cats or dogs that would otherwise be euthanized, become adoptees of inmates as long as they are in good standing in the facility and have no violations. This program is helping to keep inmates calm and stress-free.
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#9 Sweets And Snacks
You might get some satisfaction knowing that criminals are getting less than gourmet food to eat while in the slammer. But psychologically, inmates can't eat bad food all the time or their moods will get volatile. Prison commissaries now offer delicious snacks and treats. They can purchase candy, brand name chips and soft drinks, and even cups of noodles. The treats are usually pretty expensive but inmates are allowed to have family members give them money to buy items throughout the month.
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#10 Smoking
Yes, inmates have been allowed to smoke in prison for years and years, but usually only outside or in designated areas under the watch of guards who hold the lighters and matches. But a lot of prisons are now allowing smokers with good records on the inside to keep their own cigarettes in their cells along with one lighter. However, this is one of the strictest rules enforced inside of the prison, and once you break the rules, you are done with smoking altogether, inside or out. Many health organizations and providers are against smoking by inmates totally, but most sociologists say that it keeps the inmates occupied and makes them less likely to become irritated. In The Netherlands, inmates are allowed to smoke marijuana if they can afford to purchase it from the prison commissary. Bringing it in from the outside is forbidden.
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#11 Sewing Kits & Craft Supplies
Sewing is harmless, until you remember that it requires sharp needles. In fact, many of the arts and crafts projects that inmates get to enjoy now often have some tools required that were once forbidden in prison cells. Arts and crafts in prison has taken a whole new meaning as prisoners are learning to sculpt, paint, sew, tattoo, garden, and ceramics. However, these things are only offered to those prisoners who have a proven track record of being a model inmate and are usually done in group settings under watchful eyes. If an inmate is really good, they can have access to knitting needles, sewing needles and thread, and paints and brushes in their cells.
