First Impressions of Prison Visits: Insights from Personal Experiences

Visiting someone in prison can be a deeply impactful experience, often leaving lasting impressions. I, too, have visited two individuals in prisons, faithfully, and visited two in county jails. This article reflects on the first three things I noticed during these visits.

The Creepy and Eerie Atrium of Prisons

The moment you approach the entrance of a prison or jail, you are confronted by an environment that immediately instills a sense of unease. The towering fences with barbed wire and watchtowers housing armed guards are the first visual elements that greet you. Then, the imposing buildings, often appearing to have stood the test of time, add to the overall eerie ambiance.

The condition inside the facilities is often stark and cold, with the immediate association being concrete blocks and steel. This environment is often a stark contrast to the external world, emphasizing the separation and enforced order within these walls.

The Indifferent Officers and Cold Reception

The coldness of the prison doesn’t just come from the physical environment. The behavior and demeanor of the correctional officers are often as numbing as the concrete structures. Officers are known for their lack of emotion, humor, or small talk with prisoners and visitors alike. This stark contrast to the outside world emphasizes the formal and structured nature of the corrections system.

Personal Experiences

These experiences can vary greatly depending on the individual and the specific prison. For instance, when I met my older brother for the first time, I was just 7 years old. The Tri-City Correctional which houses Green Haven sparked fear and curiosity, with its 30-foot wall and armed guards in watchtowers.

Visiting my mother, another experience shaped by her child’s innocent perspective, highlighted the structural elements of state and federal jails, such as the glistening razor wire and the nervousness of fellow visitors, similar to my own.

For a more adult perspective, I recall a visit where I met a university friend who had been incarcerated. Upon arrival, I noticed his physical growth due to the year and a half in prison. His increased tattoos were also a prominent aspect that struck me. What was striking, however, was his evident contentment with the prison environment, a sentiment that I couldn’t fathom at the time. It was a journey of realizing that not everyone views incarceration in the same light.

Conclusion

Visiting prisons can be a profound and eye-opening experience, offering a glimpse into a realm that is often shrouded in mystery. Whether it’s the imposing structure, the sickening coldness, or the quiet indifference, these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere that is uniquely prison-related.

Experiences from both a child and an adult perspective show that the first impressions of a prison visit can profoundly shape one’s understanding and perspective on the prison system and its inhabitants.