An Inmate and a Gentleman

Young felons are reformed at a prison "boot camp"

The midday sun blazes over a yard at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman. Enter three new arrivals in clean jump suits, their possessions bundled in white sheets. The other inmates, skinheaded and clad in sweaty green jump suits, watch as prison officers in camouflage uniforms set upon the trio. "Can't you move any faster than that, son?" barks an officer, after ordering the new men to unpack and then repack their belongings. One panicked inmate starts to respond. Snarls the officer: "You don't ask me questions, son! Do you understand that?" "Yessir." "I can't hear you. Speak up, son!" "Yessir!"...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!