History of Alcatraz Prison

The history of Alcatraz prison demonstrates the ineffectiveness of super-maximum security institutions which offer no rehabilitation for inmates. During its heyday, Alcatraz served as a model for the incarceration and treatment of "hopeless" criminals. Despite its closure and limited success, penologists persist in attempts to modify the Alcatraz approach and adopt it to modern conditions: "Although no longer used as a prison, Alcatraz still stands as a monument to the philosophy that certain criminals can never be reformed and must be forever segregated from society under the most secure and repressive of conditions."

The Alcatraz maximum security prison was located on the island of Alcatraz in the San Francisco Bay. The Spaniards who founded the island in the late 18th century discovered a "bleak rock in the middle of the Bay . . . a craggy, inaccessible place covered with pelicans." The name "alcatraz" is Spanish for "pelican." The prison population referred to Alcatraz simply as "The Rock."

The use of Alcatraz evolved as a prison early in its history. During the Civil War, the Army was stationed on the island, and used their military guard house as a holding place for soldiers who violated Army regulations. In 1861, the military expanded these operations and designated Alcatraz as a collection point for prisoners on the West Coast. Alcatraz was used as a military prison for 73 years until 1933 when the War Department announced plans to abandon its operation

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tually abandoned in 1938 because it was unenforceable.) Equally demoralizing were the restrictions on visits and correspondence. For example, the average prisoner was allowed only one letter a week. All outgoing and incoming mail was scrutinized by the prison authorities. These practices heightened the isolation that the prisoners endured: "For a person who is totally isolated from the rest of the world, any life sign from out 'there' takes on a different, much more significant meaning . . . so anything from outside became a treasured, sacred possession." One of Alcatraz's most famous prisoners, Robert Stroud, immortalized as the "Birdman of Alcatraz" found solace in the winged creatures who frequented his prison windows. Other prisoners turned to religious services as a means of relief. By the end of its first year of operation, Alcatraz housed 242 prisoners and employed 88 staff members. By all measures it was considered a success. Shortly thereafter Warden Johnson adopted the policy of limiting publicity about the prison and its activities. Therefore, when paroled inmates complained about the inhumane treatment they'd received at Alcatraz, it was difficult for the media to ascertain the veracity of their allegations

Category: Government - H