In this episode, the focus is on the exorbitant costs of incarceration. Nationwide, justice systems are incarcerating individuals in facilities that lack the proper staff and resources for effective rehabilitation. It's crucial for taxpayers to become informed about the daily expenses of incarcerating a person and assess whether these funds are being utilized efficiently to decrease costs and reduce the state's recidivism rate.

In this episode, the impact of incarceration on human mental well-being is discussed. Justice systems throughout the United States often treat recently arrested individuals as guilty. Courts must eliminate bias and focus on rehabilitation. Incarcerated individuals are confined with hardened criminals and can be easily influenced by them. The justice system should consider the trauma and mental wellness effects of a prison sentence on the individual and the community before sentencing.

In this episode, Greg Brown discusses the issue of correction officers taking property from incarcerated individuals. American taxpayers are wasting their money by continuously funding a penal system that permits correctional officers to confiscate property with minimal recourse. The resulting trauma and anger among the victims can lead to an increase in criminal activity.

In 2023, nearly one-third of inmates in the Washington Department of Corrections were released after their scheduled release dates. Such delays hinder inmates' ability to make arrangements for housing, transportation, employment, and informing their families. Releasing inmates late is not only expensive but may also increase the likelihood of reoffending. It is crucial for the penal and justice systems to develop and implement a reliable method of informing inmates about their release dates and to support them in planning their reintegration into society.

This episode tackles the critical issue of trust within the Department of Corrections. Incarcerated individuals and their families should be able to trust DOC officials responsible for the welfare of those in custody. The case of Kyle Lara, who took his own life while incarcerated, underscores this point. His family had placed their trust in county officials to oversee his health and wellbeing. It is imperative for the DOC to establish and preserve the trust of the community, the families, and the incarcerated persons themselves.

In this episode, the topic of discussion is the disparity in prison sentences for convicted individuals. Cynthia Metsker was sentenced to 12 years for the manslaughter of 42-year-old Colin Bastow. She entered a guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm. While her sentence appears just for the crime committed, her incarceration at the Washington Corrections Center for Women raises concerns. The facility is reportedly ill-equipped to offer adequate medical care and rehabilitation resources to its inmates, potentially doing more harm than benefit.

In the concluding episode of her podcast series, Kimberly Carter shares personal experiences with overcrowding. She draws parallels with comparable scenarios from California, highlighting how overcrowding contributes to recidivism and affects community safety.

In this episode, I discuss Maryanne Atkins and how the criminal justice system failed her. While she is not innocent of her crime, she was not treated fairly during her sentencing. It is no secret that not all incarcerated individuals are guilty. We need organizations such as the Innocence Project, the Freedom Project, and the American Quittance Society to help hold the Department of Corrections, the justice system, and law enforcement accountable for their actions. Although the criminal justice system is effective, it isn't always fair and equal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeHopnbHLYo

In the third installment of her four-part series on prison overcrowding, Kimberly Carter discusses how the Washington Department of Corrections transferred women to the Yakima County Jail to ease the overcrowded conditions at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. https://youtu.be/gmasa4EZK2E

This episode delves into the rehabilitation options for incarcerated individuals. Securus Technologies, known for overcharging incarcerated people and their families for subpar services and equipment, is facing bankruptcy after enduring years of complaints, legal actions, and advocacy efforts. This development could potentially revolutionize communication methods between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones.