Letter: The need for real prison reform
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: On a Magistrates Association study tour to Chicago last month, we questioned officers in both the federal and state prison services about private prisons. None of the officers we questioned seemed even to know that there were such institutions in the United States, and thought the idea both unethical and unworkable.
Nick Cohen says in his article ('Reform goes out of the window', 26 August) that there are only 20 or 30 small private prisons, mainly in the 'Bible-belt states'. The Government's use of the US as a model for the privatisation of our own prison service seems somewhat specious.
Yours faithfully,
MARGARET CAREY
Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments