Metro Councilman Darryl Hurst has been a vocal advocate for the construction of a new prison, emphasizing the dire state of the East Baton Rouge Parish prison. There was a recent tour organized for citizens, including academicians and others, to witness the prison’s deplorable conditions firsthand. The current facility, built in 1950, is outdated, with the last model of its kind constructed in the 1970’s. Modern prisons have moved away from the old barred cells to focus on de-escalation and rehabilitation, aiming to make inmates more productive and better prepared for society upon release.
The visitors observed the lack of natural light and outdated infrastructure, contrasting it with newer facilities like the one in Lafourche Parish. The new model prison in Lafourche is described as resembling a large gymnasium, equipped with televisions and programming spaces, designed to educate and reform inmates. It even allows inmates to work offshore on oil rigs, integrating them into the workforce and contributing to their rehabilitation.
The text underscores the importance of prison reform in Louisiana, highlighting the need for facilities that not only incarcerate but also provide proper reform. It suggests that the state should follow the example set by Lafourche, which has successfully implemented a model that benefits both inmates and society. The summary encapsulates the call for a new prison that aligns with contemporary standards of inmate treatment and rehabilitation, reflecting a shift from punitive to reformative correctional practices.