Animals and humans kept in captivity lose their emotional strength and survival skills
When animals are kept in captivity too long, they lose the ability to survive in the wild. Prolonged captivity weakens their mental well being and strips them of essential survival skills.
Likewise, when people are incarcerated for long periods, they become institutionalized. Their mental well being is weakened. They become dependent. They lose their survival and coping skills. It becomes difficult for them to reintegrate into society, and their chances of becoming a productive member of society are diminished.
An institutionalized convict who couldn’t cope with freedom
I handled such a case.
A 30-year-old man completed his sentence after spending much of his youth and adult life behind bars. He was released from prison and placed on parole.
The defendant had no family. His only friends were in prison. He couldn’t find a job, and he struggled on parole. Basically, freedom was too difficult for him. He no longer had the skills to thrive on his own. He needed security.
He yearned for the prison life. There, he didn’t need to make difficult decisions. He had a comfortable and safe place to stay. He had regular meals.
Life in prison was structured and simple. The defendant knew what to expect. He was told when to wake up, when to eat, when to shower, when to exercise, and when to go to bed.
Unsuccessful attempt to get arrested to go back to prison
He finally decided to violate his parole by not reporting in. The parole officer would get a warrant for his arrest, and he would go back to prison where he fit in.
The defendant’s arrest did not occur as quickly as he expected. He was frustrated by the delay.
Finally, while walking along Beach Blvd. near Knott’s Berry Farm, he flagged down a officer in a patrol car. He told the officer that there was a warrant for his arrest. He asked the officer to take him into custody so he could go back to prison.
The defendant gave his name and date of birth. The officer typed the information into the computer. There were no warrants in the system.
The defendant volunteered his multiple AKA’s and different dates of birth. The officer still couldn’t find any arrest warrants for the defendant.
The officer said he was sorry, but without a warrant in the system he couldn’t arrest the man. The officer wished him luck and drove away.
Successful attempt to get arrested and to back to prison
The defendant was desperate. He saw a nearby bank and had a brainstorm.
He rummaged through a trash bin next to the bank. He found a sturdy paper bag. He put some heavy objects inside, twisted the top shut, and marched into the bank.
Inside, he held the bag in the air and yelled, “I’ve got a bomb! Drop to the floor and give me all your money!”
The defendant was arrested for attempted bank robbery. He was also arrested for violating parole. (The parole arrest warrant had been in the system the entire time.)
At the first opportunity in my court, the defendant pled guilty. He was given a lengthy consecutive sentence. He got his wish, and he returned to prison where he was more comfortable. Sad.
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