Attica Correctional Facility Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Attica Correctional Facility - Research Paper Example The Attica Correctional Facility maintains a large industrial operation producing a variety of textile items and metal products. There is also a large program of vocational and academic education. In addition, it maintains extensive programs in family service, mental health and youth assistance. Authors of the Prison Monitoring Report: Attica also stated that they were left with both positive and negative impressions about the facility. While some programs provide beneficial and productive opportunities for inmates to gain skills and confront difficult challenges, they were struck by a widespread sense of fear and intimidation among the inmates. Reports of staff physically abusing inmates and retaliation by officers against inmates who file complains about staff were extensive. Although inmates had positive impressions about Superintendent James Conway and his administration, they reported that he was unable to halt the pervasive violence and abuse by the officers. The four-day riot at the Attica Correctional Facility was reported by History.com as the bloodiest prison insurrection in US History. It was reported that on September 9, 1971 a group of inmates at the facility assaulted a prison guard and began rioting. They took prison employees hostage and gained control of portions of the facility. After which, negotiations between inmates and prison officials followed. The inmates demanded better living conditions at the overcrowded prison. However, an article on the American Express website reported some events essential to validating the purpose of the riot. It reported that inmates who were predominantly African American and Puerto Ricans were incensed at the deteriorating living conditions-among them, the fact that they were only allowed to shower once per week and were allowed one roll of toilet paper per month. Overcrowding had also