by Dustin Costa himself from prison in Colorado for growing pot in California
There are no shot-callers in a camp, at least not with the same power and authority you'd expect to find in a higher-security institution.
Having no shot-callers means there is no one to cool things down when they get a little heated.
Tensions ran high here for a couple of years, due in part to poor camp administration policies.
This was exacerbated by a sudden influx of transfers from other institutions, which included some inmates with violent tendencies who probably shouldn't have come to a camp.
The result was a series of disruptions that included destruction of property and ultimately a riot where several inmates were severely injured. (One inmate may have died in the riot, but I have no confirmation of that)
In camps, violence is the exception, not the rule. My point is that it can and does happen.
Coming to prison requires some adjusting, accompanied by grieving for the life you lost. But for many, like myself, it can ultimately be a positive experience.
In my case, I've been blessed with a wonderful woman who has stayed by my side throughout this ordeal.
I have also rediscovered my music and finally written the novel I'd promised myself for decades that I would write.
Maybe there really is a silver lining.
No comments:
Post a Comment