From Bob.........

The following edited account was given by a man released from a Federal Institution)

I am an Offender who has been released on what is called Statutory Release.  I was given a three year sentence for my crime in November of 1998 and had a Parole Hearing but was refused so I was then entitled to this type of release at 2/3's of my Sentence.  My charges went back 10 years at the time I was arrested.  My Trial did not take place for approximately 15 months and I was released on my own recognizance. My Trial lasted about a week at which I had pleaded “Not Guilty” before I was found guilty by Judge and Jury with sentence imposed.

For a man who has been married for 36 years to the same woman and has a 35 year old son, who is married to a wonderful young lady it came as a complete shock to them.  I had pleaded not guilty and maintained this stance until such time as I arrived at Millhaven where I underwent the Intake Processing.  During this time, I was put through several testing sessions both educationally and emotionally.  It was at a Session with the Psycologist that he told me that I must admit my guilt for the crime I had committed as the first step in the recovery process.  Here I was, 68 years old and incarcerated in a Federal Penitentiary.  To say the least it was a frightening experience.  Being locked up most of the waking hours, the clanging of doors, no choice in food, just a few dollars for Canteen and a very, very sad Christmas.  Once the testing was completed, I was then transferred to Bath Institution which is classed as a Medium Security Facility.  In this facility, two inmates are in a cell together and sleep in a bunk bed and you are in a Block Building until you find yourself a job, go to School or are medically exempt.  The rate of pay you start at when you find a job is $5.20 per day up to a maximum of $6.90 per day.  If you are unemployed, the pay is $2.50 per day. 

As I had been a Credit Manager for approximately 30 odd years of my working employment outside, I was computer literate and my typing speed was over 65 words per minute.  I then applied for a position with a Contract Operation that the Inmates could work at, which was typing Real Estate information from the United States which was entered on microfiches and we would then transcribe it to Disc.  Due to Arthritis in both thumbs, a lower back problem and the fact that the microfiche were so hard to read, as most of the information that had to be transposed was from Florida Counties, it was very difficult for me.  I heard about an opportunity that had become available as the Educational Clerk after about three months at this vocation, applied for the position, and was successful at obtaining it. I maintained this occupation for the duration of my residence at Bath.  I had a terrific boss and all the Teachers were most courteous and I did not have the guilt feeling of being a Criminal.  The most difficult part of the job was how to handle the problems with the Inmates who had to upgrade their educational skills, either in the classroom or by doing Correspondence Courses.  It would seem to always be my fault if the books weren’t available immediately or their marks didn’t come back fast enough or were not marked high enough by the Teachers marking them.  Now, don’t get the idea that the majority of Inmates in the Penal System are illiterate.  There was one young inmate who was doing Calculus and Physics whose average in both was 98.9%.  Most of them would be very serious about improving their educational standings along with reading, writing and speaking skills, especially where English was a second language.  The Teachers were most patient with the students and in most cases marked improvement would take place when the students would apply themselves to prepare for their re-entry into the Community from an educational point of view.  As for myself, I was required to take a Course as an Offender and when each of us had to do a Disclosure, in all instances it was some form of abuse that we had suffered when very young, whether it was physical, sexual or just the fact that we weren’t loved.  I also took a Course on Entrepreneurship as I was considering possibly opening my own Business on my Release and needed to know more information in order to make  sound business decisions  As for other functions that I got involved with during this tenure at Bath I can say that they were extremely interesting. 

The first function that I got involved with was A.V.P. better known as Alternatives to Violence Project.  This was one of the most profound Courses along with the Alpha Project and both were of immense help for me to learn how to control Anger and have a better understanding of our Religious beliefs.  I recommend both very highly.  Next came the Toastmasters Group where the Inmates can improve their speaking skills.  It was usually promoted in order to assist them when they would come up for their Parole Hearings that they could present their cases to the Parole Board in a professional manner.  There are several levels that can be obtained and at present, I have attained my Toastmaster Bronze level   I was the Chairman for the Chapel Council as well as the Chairman for the 50 More or Less Group.  
    
Now this is how I kept myself busy and occupied.  On the whole, it is my belief that with the Programs that are available to the Inmate Population such as what I’ve mentioned previously, plus A.A., N.A., OSSAP, SEX OFFENDER, and COG SKILLS, plus the Educational Upgrading, that’s available, plus the Volunteers at Chapel, both Protestant and Catholic Services along with the Salvation Army their services are really appreciated in most cases.

With seven months left in my Sentence, I applied to have my risk factor lowered and be transferred to Camp.  This was approved and I was then transferred to Pittsburgh Institute.  On arrival here, even though my transfer papers recommended a Maintenance Offender Program for me, the Program at this location was the most intense and nerve racking situation, not only for me but the other participants as well, that the stress we encountered was absolutely unbelievable.

Once the inmate approaches his release date, especially those who have no family support, no financial savings, then life gets pretty difficult again.  Some inmates, in these cases have to wait months more for openings to come at HALFWAY HOUSES.  Even when they get there they cannot find suitable employment, have to share their living space with up to three other parolees and get upset with the fact that nothing’s working out for them. 

DOES ANYONE REALLY CARE?  IS THIS WHY SOME INMATES FEEL THEY SHOULD COMMIT ANOTHER CRIME SO THEY CAN RETURN TO THE PROTECTION OF THE PENAL SYSTEM WHERE THEY KNOW THAT THEY’LL GET THREE SQUARE MEALS A DAY AND A BED TO SLEEP IN?

When an inmate comes out such matters as Accommodation, Employment, Transportation need to be discussed.  Along with these items is the Adaptation to the Community lifestyle, Awareness of Resources and opportunities to socialize within the Community.  Also a very important item an inmate needs a liaison that would help with meetings with the Parole Officer, local Police Department and a Psychologist in order to comply with any instructions attached to the Statutory Release.  I needed all of this.

Shortly after my incarceration, my Wife filed for a Divorce and it has now been finalized and it is difficult to talk with my Son on the few occasions I’ve had the courage to speak to him.  Hopefully time will heal the wounds I’ve created.        

In closing, I’d like you to know my aims and objectives are

“S U C C E S S”

S - See my goals
U - Understand the obstacles
C - Clear my mind of doubt
C - Create a positive mental picture
E - Embrace the challenge
S - Stay on track
S - Show the world I can do it

THANK YOU!
(Editor's Note: Post Script.... Bob was being supported by a community based support group that has offered extensive help to him.  Bob's success was contingent on his willingness to cooperate with the program offered. To date, as we publish this Web Page, there were some struggles as he was coming to grips with his reintegration. )

For more information please contact..  danhaley@bellnet.ca

Dan Haley

Peterborough Community Chaplaincy

Main office  P.O. Box 235

Peterborough ON

K9J 6Y8

 

705-741-4172 (Office)

705-741-4833 (Fax)

 

Office E-mail ptbocommunitychaplaincy@bellnet.ca 

Dan's personal e-mail danhaley@bellnet.ca

Web site www.ptbochaplaincy.org

New Beginnings (transition house)

953 Clonsilla Ave

K9J 5Y2