Prison Reform | Jennifer Thomas | TEDxNorthCentralCollege

This talk illuminates two important differences between the American and Norweigan prison systems; the principle of normalcy and the role of the prison guard. In light of her primary research, Thomas argues that our punitive approach to prison we will continue to churn out toxicity but change is possible and solutions are available if we learn from the example of others.
I discovered my passion for prison reform when I spent four months in Winnebago County Jail awaiting a bond reduction hearing. In August 2011, I was arrested in connection with the overdose death of my best friend. I was a passenger in his vehicle when he purchased the heroin that would later kill him. In jail I became intimately acquainted with the criminal justice system, jail culture, and the plight of the prisoner. That experience profoundly changed the direction of my life. Upon release, I made it my life’s mission to use my experiences to help others, specifically prisoners and addicts.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@prisonersofthewaronus4339]

Thank you for you're research and brining light to the importance of prison reform

[@LoveAndPeaceOccurs]

Thank You so very much Ms Jennifer Thomas for this excellent and needed video. Where is the YT audience? Sad this is getting so little attention. Too many people still distant themselves from our "corrections" system because most people believe that most people who end up in jail deserve ... literally, "whatever" ... Far too few people have any idea of how different the USA is in dealing with crime and drug issues and how ineffective Our systems are ... how much need there is for reform. Love & Peace to All

[@user-db6ps1cf2g]

The Concrete Confessional addiction blog just dropped a two-part expose series on lead creator Jessica Kent. It is a MUST READ for anyone who watches true crime / prison reform content

[@SimbaTheLion555]

I wonder why this doesn't have more likes

[@louna5269]

I think a bit part people in the comments forget about is that Norway has a completely different system in more ways than one. They have free healthcare and get social and financial aid. This prison is still a sort of punishment and doesn’t reflect the life outside 100%. Just because these prisoners live a better life in prison than a regular US citizen would outside it doesn’t mean that that applies to people living in Norway. What you should be asking for is better living standards and a prison reform instead of saying this is a luxury because statistics show that this prison system works better. A big part of why that is the case is the living standards in Norway and a lot of other Nordic countries, people are less likely to commit a crime if they are treated better for their whole life. Of course this doesn’t apply to every single person because there are mental issues that are harder to combat than simply stealing something. (Which by the way can also be helped with by working health and mental care systems that acknowledge a child’s tendencies from a young age and help them with therapy and or medication while also treating them like a human being.) Treating people like human beings and letting them get help is a really important step in order to fight crime and that begins with healthcare, school and a working social security net.

[@abeytagrl5161]

I would love to sit down and talk with her or someone about this. Go by the schools whose teachers’ classrooms don’t have their own bathroom! And the classrooms are 60+ years old!

[@freddiegonzaga7851]

Jennifer Thomas's TED talk on Prison Reform serves as a platform to raise awareness and foster dialogue on critical issues within the criminal justice system in several ways. Firstly, she highlights key differences between the American and Norwegian prison systems, focusing on the principle of normalcy and the role of the prison guard. This comparison sparks conversation about potential improvements in the American system. Secondly, she uses her primary research to argue for a change in our punitive culture, encouraging a shift towards rehabilitation and reintegration. Lastly, her talk challenges the audience to take action, reinforcing the notion that reform is not only necessary but also achievable.
Source: TEDxNorthCentralCollege, Youmanitarian, Vexplode, Course Sidekick

[@rudyredband145]

Really good thought. I agree we have lost dignity for Prisoners. However I would like to see this in practice to see if the outcome will bring change: ie. that the person will stop criminal activity that caused the incarceration. I agree our system is ineffective at present. We need change. I am not sure your presentation will benefit those of us, victimized by the criminals. But your presentation is intriguing and I will investigate the Norway system. Almost all crimes are against another person and I hope your system stops crime which benefits the victim and the criminal.

[@powskiproductions8839]

The way the US prison system conducts itself is bad for both the criminal AND the victim. In the US, the majority of arrests are low level offenses and victimless crimes. This takes up resources that could be spent on victims. I’ve been a crime victim. When I reported the crime, the local police barely took a report. Because they were too busy arresting the homeless people don’t the street for petty nothingness charges like a trespass charge for a homeless couple sleeping under a bridge…. In the place I lived at, cops would arrest homeless people for trespassing no matter where it was…. And they had the legal right to trespass the homeless off public property. And each arrest is more revenue for them. Each arrest is more recognition for the officers. So that’s what they spent their time doing. Oh, not to mention harassing people who went 5 miles over the speed limit and searching their cars.
So I guarantee you, as a victim of crime, that the United States criminal justice system fails the victim just as much as it fails the criminal.

[@sherriscates2347]

I would like to help you with work. I have a son serving 30 flat years in the Arizona State prison. I have done lots of research on the Norway model. They got it right!!

[@MrJeep75]

Amen

[@robertdavis3036]

We love the theory... but hate to apply the practice. Well, at least we will cherry pick which types of inmates to reform.

[@32275005]

We still have to remember that its a punishment to be there not a luxury...did you see how nice that was...makes me wanna catch a case...

[@izzymoreno256]

@Rebecca Pemberton I wonder if you would feel the same way if one of your loved ones were murdered and the murderer ended up in such facility. Criminals choose to commit crimes so why should we show any empathy towards them?

[@glebsokolov9959]

@@izzymoreno256 Who said there is any empathy? Some people, like murderers, obviously don't deserve this. However, there is no other efficient method to date. Please remember that it's not just minor crime prisoners who suffer from tough prisons, so do people who work at and maintain those prisons! They become aggressive and depressed because of their work environment. Prisoners themselves become animals in such conditions, making the job even harder.
Some prisoners turn out to be innocent many years later, so the death sentence is not an option for all. I think only people with an overwhelming amount of murder evidence (like videotape with face) should face capital punishment, be it a painless needle or a slow cutting shredder.
I do feel sympathy for people who have to be in prisons at all for minor or non-violent crimes. The current system does NOT prevent crime.

[@nooyorcste]

purtcyoolurle bipolur yoo wood comt crimz for mune but wunt too be punshd severle?

[@billyd2008]

Instead of holding criminals in jail, they should have the option to be treated with psychedelics like DMT but more importantly, Ayahuasca with Shamans, (which has DMT) to rehabilitate them. This should be done about 9 times over 21 days for a significant transformation. Give them a psych evaluation and if it changed them for the better, release them as most will be changed for the better. Guarantee less repeat offenders. Anyone who has done psychedelics will know this has potential. This would cost about $5000 bucks each. This would save money and lives compared to 50k to 250k or more per prisoner. Vote for me as president 2024. Prison reform!

[@elperrroverde]

Sounds promising however take that a step further and administer sleeping medication whenever the prisoner wakes up that might be a better approach

[@brucer4086]

Jenny, I have always been so impressed with you. I really would love to reconnect with you again and discuss your new endeaver into business. I miss you.

[@ems3832]

*Creep Alert*

[@T2G-DJT]

Simp

[@brucer4086]

Jennifer ru still working on prison reform 3 years later?

[@brucer4086]

I would live to discuss your future endeavors regarding this.

[@herrcobblermachen]

Mingo!

[@justinwhelchel20]

Not against what she is saying. I Don't know enough about it. What does she think about the death penalty?

[@smite6918]

Norway has made the death penalty illegal (or whatever the proper term is) so I assume she agrees with Norway’s decision on the death penalty

[@momanon8789]

So glad President Trump is working to reform our prisons so prisoners have a chance at successful lives after they do their time.

[@brandonkuswandy2826]

this did not age well lmao

[@richardofutuasella3453]

In future i guess some nations may send some inmates to moon or mars.

[@user-op2js9zy3i]

People are losing their homes and apartments... Of these completely jester of people for us to complete harass them as they say we do... " what a life of a dreamer... I go that way she goes another whose losing them or us

[@brucer4086]

I loved our time together! Remember?

[@ems3832]

*Creep Alert*

[@T2G-DJT]

Simp

[@smoky7]

Maximum of 40 years for a felony, 7 years for misdemeanor would be sufficient

[@biglebowski4879]

I hope the victims of the inmates are just as comfortable

[@ems3832]

@Rebecca Pemberton Sure, Becky, and Stevie Wonder is the world skeet shooting champion. 🙄

[@elperrroverde]

I wholeheartedly agree that prison reform is long overdue - way to soft right now toughen the whole deal up hard labor for all and maybe offender won't be back and hopefully word gets out that prison is no cake walk indict parents for youthful offenders nutriloaf three meals a day require trade or college for release build more prisons no bail reform lock them up for even minor offenses anyone that gets involved with law enforcement doesn't have the life skills necessary to hang with the mainstream state will provide cell and nutriloaf family responsible for all the rest solitary is best we are sick of all the violence

[@Joe-Z]

If Trump did 1 thing right (morally right) it would be helping these men and women get out and try to at least live out their lives without having to struggle with violence, drugs, gangs, etc. that prison tends to all have readily available.
God bless those ones locked up who would embrace and succeed with a second chance at life.

[@SkyPilot54]

What BS

[@ems3832]

How about some "personal conduct reform" so you don't end up in prison in the first place??!! Just an idea...

[@Kathy-ke6nj]

There is a high rate of wrongful convictions against minorities. Plus, the prison system makes it possible for people to make money off of inmates who are in jail. Big businesses like Starbucks and Target get to profit off of slavery too as convicts only get paid about 2 cents an hour or if not, paid nothing and can be punished for not working in actual fields. Do some research lol...