Most citizens are under the impression that the majority of today's prisoners are evil, dangerous and violent. Incapable of rehabilitation, we deserve to be locked in cages like animals for the remainder of our natural lives. Fortunately, this particular portrayal only actually applies to about one percent of the current prison population. That would be less than 550 individuals. Not everyone is incarcerated for violent or heinous crimes.

Back in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and even the early 90s, the prison environment could have been described as "vicious." There was a lot of chaos behind these walls, fatalities were numerous. And the media hyped the conditions to benefit prison unions, politicians and sales.

In 1999 the New York State prison population peaked at over 71,500. Today it's about 55,000 and is declining at a rate of about 1,000 per year. Less prisoners, less problems, of course, but the drastic decline in violence, specifically assaults, can be attributed to former Governor Pataki. As governor, he implemented and enforced laws which made it a felony to assault another prisoner or a staff member. This included the throwing of feces or urine, which was a major problem in the 80s.

Yes, if you physically assault someone in the NYS prison system today you will be re-arrested, charged and tried for said crime. Most prisoners accept a plea deal to avoid being sentenced to astronomical years if they proceed with trial and are found guilty, especially those who already have more than one felony conviction, as this could result in a life sentence. The new sentence will run consecutively with their current one.

So we have this disconnect. Going by the propaganda surrounding prisons, society is led to believe that we're busy maiming and killing one another on a regular basis in here. But this is pure fiction. If it were true, we'd need more hospitals than prisons. But here at Eastern, the hospital ward holds a maximum of twelve, not hundreds. Review the facts and you'll see it's impossible for us to be anywhere near as violent as some would like you to believe.

Again, if we're really so violent and dangerous, why do we have so many women and aging staff overseeing us? Especially when most prisoners are in great physical condition. Trust me, the corridors in here are not covered in blood. Not even splashed. Nor are guys taken out of here daily via ambulance or helicopter. At Eastern, even on a really bad day, there are rarely any physical confrontations. Which is how it should be.

Now, the media is always quick to report the parolee who committed a new crime while on parole. But, you rarely hear about the vast number of success stories. This says something about what the media audience wants to hear and read. Again, if you were being told all the time about the success of the parole system then justifying a $3 billion annual budget could be difficult. Especially in a system that shows a steady decline in the prison population.

Revolutionary idea: maybe some of that money should be allocated towards re-entry and re-integration programs. Properly prepare prisoners for life after prison and reduce further the number of those who come back.

When prisoners are provided with a variety of programs, then we have less idle time on our hands and more time to learn a trade or acquire a marketable skill instead of indulging in negative behaviors. I have to say, access to programs are a key element in Eastern's success. Other facilities should take note.

For the record: Corrections Officers are "peace" not "police" officers. There's a significant difference. When COs go through their academy, minimal physical training is required. Think about it. If it was as violent in here as you've been told, how could that be? In essence the DOCCS offers some of the highest paying jobs, with great benefits, in upstate New York, with minimal requirements or experience necessary. A win-win for the locals.

Now, I realize that many citizens dislike prisoners, for a variety of reasons. And some are warranted. However, if you and I were to engage in a constructive conversation outside the prison walls, you would have no clue I was a prisoner until I brought it to your attention. With the exception of my felony, I am not much different from the average citizen and just like you, I have aspirations and dreams of success.