Priorities of Incarcerated Individuals Within Texas Prisons

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/k643b273g

Abstract

This study explores the concerning conditions and policies faced by incarcerated individuals within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison system. Utilizing surveys distributed by the Texas Prisons Community Advocates (TPCA), the resulting research reveals that the incarcerated individuals perceive that the system is failing to meet their basic needs while also violating their human and constitutional rights. Inadequate access to healthcare, mental healthcare, nutritious food, clean water, and poor legislation are a few of the areas of priority found in this study. The lack of air conditioning in many of these prison units exposes incarcerated individuals to potentially higher risks of mortality and fatal heat-related illnesses. Limited access to educational and rehabilitative programs is another area of concern that hinders the chances of an incarcerated individual’s successful reentry. These areas of priority are pertinent, for they have detrimental impacts on both the physical and mental well-being of the incarcerated individuals, which potentially leads to a cycle of recidivism. Addressing and identifying these issues is crucial for the incarcerated individuals within Texas to have a chance at a safe and healthy prison environment.

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