Washington's Greying Prisons and the Need for Geriatric Review

The prison population in Washington State is aging rapidly. The proliferation of long and life sentences increased the number of prisoners aged 55 or older by 400% from 1993 to 2013. Without an opportunity for parole for most prisoners, incarcerated individuals do not have an opportunity to be evaluated for release based on their rehabilitation. The prison system is not equipped to handle the medical needs of this aging prison population. Punishment may be important in our criminal justice system, but how much is enough? In the upcoming legislative session, bills will be introduced to create a post-conviction review process to allow rehabilitated individuals, who have served extended sentences and are not a threat to public safety, to be released back into the community.

[@srr8890]

Its funny how the inmates talk about community, society, morality..... Irony if you look closely.

[@evanschreiber1655]

Alot of people make a few mistakes and get alot of time, so ya..just because your in prison doesn't mean your immoral. People locked up are some of the most respectful people.

[@Swish_jordan]

I lived here for 3 years,smh

[@josephdavis8074]

Prison for profits

[@bankrollkaine]

Reduce sentencings

[@amawayne7930]

Um interesting problem. What do they do if someone develops dementia or Alzheimer’s during their life sentence cause then they will essentially need round the clock care since one basically becomes a child again once you get to that state. I’ve had multiple family members have this happened and they are quite literally back to a child like state of mind, so how would this be handled with the elder population in a prison.

[@saipan4208]

Hmmmmmm, interesting