Dear Editor,
There is a big difference in what the general public thinks about how the Mississippi Department of Corrections is ran and what actually transpires behind the gates of prison.
While reading your editorial on April 20 titled “Consensus forms on incarceration,” I found myself split on that subject.
I will say there must be something done to fix this broken system. Yes, I believe violent offenders need to be incarcerated more so than non-violent. However, for inmates like myself and thousands of others, there should be some hope and help.
I was sentenced to 20 mandatory years for a first offense. That means that no matter how many classes I take or how much work I do, I will never get any time off for good behavior or early release. The same is true if I act up or cause havoc and be a total pain. There is no incentive to do right, but I do so anyway.
Mandatory sentences are outdated and clog up the system. Non-violent guys are getting all the breaks, and they keep coming back again and again.
While I deserved to come to prison for my crime, I think there should be some programs for guys like me who do the right thing in here. Guys like me are trying to better ourselves because we want to, and no one cares.
Ivy “Dale” Manseill
Inmate 123447
Central MS Regional
Correctional Facility
