I was a corrections officer in a jail and with the BOP. The system is so broken. I got paid to be in the BOP and I got treated better in the Marines. The inmates are the easy part, it’s the staff and administration that will crush your soul.
@@j.rivera6402Maybe they served their time in the Marines and then wanted to continue that kind of work so then they became a CO. I met a man who served in Vietnam then went to serve in the local prison
@@j.rivera6402 The day I got out of the Marine Corps in the 1980s, I wanted to be employed ASAP, and I felt that with my experience that corrections was the only path. Fortunately, the lady at the unemployment office looked at me funny and said, "Don't you have any other experience?" I mentioned some other things and one of those qualified me to get interviewed at an engineering firm her husband worked for, and I was hired on the spot the next day. Point is, I was a hair's breadth from being a corrections officer if that lady had been on break when it was my turn at the window. I was very lucky that day.
My husband is a retired CO of 20 years. He can tell you that it’s not the inmates that you have to worry about, it’s the other CO’s all the way to the warden that you have the problems with. As long as you’re consistent with the rules and treat the inmates with respect, they will respect you. The prisons need to be changed from the directors all the way down.
Isn't amazing how people that hurt others, stab them, rob them, kidnap them, shoot them, beat them, rape them, etc etc have so much to say, so much to complain after they are removed from the rest of us. After the doors are locked behind them they become civil rights advocates and legal experts. Do they give a damn about the gas station that they beat and killed ? Do they think about the woman that they raped when she was on the way home ? Do they care that the truck driver they stabbed left children behind ? Do they ?
I knew a guy 20yr ago at Rikers that would openly fight inmates on the regular. I mean take off his belt, square up his 6'4" ass and go to town. Were not friends anymore.
Larry, long time viewer, first time commenter. I really appreciate your outreach and you are a man who practices what he preaches. I hope this year brings you happiness. Thank you for what you do sir!
My great uncle who recently passed was a career Correctional Officer, had the saddest stories about inmates. He always said prisons need change. He said he met some of the best people in inmates.
"You're saving a future victim" made me pause this video and think and Larry you are totally right. Thank you for giving me a better perspective on this difficult subject.
of course... many people forget prison shouldn't just be a punishment, it should be an opportunity to show people who had tough lives that there's more than pain and struggle in the world. prison should be based around rehabilitation NOT punishment.
@@Writeous0ne you can’t disagree that for most prisoners in these max prisons deserve punishment. The effect some of them have had on their victims that scars them for life.
@@TheGreenHornet1212 most criminals come from poverty. they are a product of their environment. if you give a guy 20 years of shit do you really think hes going to come out of prison a better person?
@@Writeous0ne doesn’t matter you’re environment in the end. People use that as an excuse to do bad things but you decide your own path, shitty decisions deserve shitty consequences. Maybe not rakers island specifically since it is a jail and not prison. But a lot of the people in prison deserve the punishment they’re getting. I’d suggest you look into some of the reasons why these people are in prison. Some really disgusting stuff if you ask me
@@TheGreenHornet1212 theres a cause and effect relationship between convicts and poverty, broken homes, abuse etc. this has been proven by research. its also been proven that countries who have more lenient prison systems and better rehab programs have lower reoffending rates. just having their freedom away and the connotations of being convicted is the punishment... so you can have your own opinion about them but the science has been done. rehabilitating prisoners is way more effective than just locking them up and treating them like shit...
Wow...I can’t believe this is the first of your videos I’ve ever seen. I volunteered in Philly City prisons for four years, and I cannot even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your commentary. SO on point and the fact that you have first hand experience adds so much value to your videos. Thank you for what you’re doing. I can’t wait to read your book!
On the question of prison guards let me say this. I had a relative in prison that I would visit every 7 to 10 days without failure for 5 years. Most of the correction officers we're just fine and just doing their jobs. Some of them went out of their way to be absolutely problematic and miserable. I met a few that were so nice that I'll never forget them. The main correctional officer in the visitors room he and I actually became what I would call friends. He retired about a year before my relative got out and I was the only visitor that knew he was going to retire also he asked me not to even tell my relative because that information was not supposed to get out. His retirement was a joyous occasion but also a little sad that I was losing a friend. He said to me I would give you my phone number to stay in touch but believe it or not if they found out I could lose my pension. He was a great guy that I still think about them wonder how he is doing. I don't know why I felt the need to share this but I did. Take care
I really think that the part where they talk about treating the inmates like animals is because some guys really do behave like freaking animals. Especially in prisons like that.
Omg seeing you do videos with your TH-cam stuff framed behind you literally brought me to tears. I personally have no experience with the prison system or jail, but I so strongly believe that people can change and that we are meant to be loving and kind beings. I'm so happy to see you doing well and trying to help and educate people.
We need more people like you around. My mom is a retired police officer from Margate Florida. Maybe you could teach more people about what prison is really like. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences.
I respect you a lot for sharing your journey with people, for helping them get through situations and probably even saving lives. Keep the amazing work man, I love it
The most insitful perspective ever on this subject. I've got a son doing federal time and this guy is great. Thanks Larry for you videos. God bless you.
Larry... you even make life on the outside better for someone who has done exactly 1 hour in a holding cell in his entire life. I didn't pay a fine...years later I had a taillight out, boom, arrested. That was terrifying for a kid. ...The topics you cover are genuinely prying my eyes open further than I could've imagined. I hope your crusade to make positive changes goes as far as it really should. Love you. Genuine man.
I appreciate how you keep it real, and don't bullshit us. You aren't belligerent about what you've done, especially in comparison to others in that life that blow shit outta perspective in regard to their status in that life. You've pulled more licks than most of those "heavyweights" that like to talk about the shit they've done/do. You're a humble dude. Good luck, brother.
Hey larry, long time fan. I love that you give everyone their time of day regardless of what they are into. For all of you out there, be more larry, and know it's never to late
As being a CO I have found being respectful and treating offenders with dignity goes a long way. Also keeping your word. When I work a shift I hardly ever have any problems anymore, just doing those things help gain respect and makes the day a lot easier.
for someone who got a Second chance, when i shouldn't of.. i'm so happy to be here and YT Channels like Larrys help me cope and understand my past and iv been watching for 3 years and you have truly opened my mind
Hey Larry just wanna share my experience from one former inmate to another I did five years in California state penitentiary and your videos really bring some memories of stuff that I've seen when I was in prison love your content brother
Mr. Lawton - great video! Loved your insights and comments on the current "correctional" system. Great way to start the year and I wish you great success in your work this year to bring change to a broken system.
Spent 14 years in Missouri max joints. I made a vow to fight for better healthcare for inmates due to some things I witnessed inside. After I got out though, life happened and I forgot the vow I made myself. Today I’m a respected member of my community, own businesses and homes. Seeing your videos made me remember what I need to do. Would love to get connected with ways to reform prisons. I actually called today to try to find out if CMS is still the outsourced medical company. I got the run around but I’m on this now so I’ll find out everything I need to know.
@@sweetrapture1 a graphic design agency, a screen printing company, a sign shop and a print house art outsource company. My screen printing company is the number one shop in a huge metro area. I employ 25 people and nine graphic designers. I went back to school and got a degree in graphic design myself after building a self-sufficient print and sign shop.
@@sweetrapture1 thanks. I really did. I’m a case of someone with a ton of potential that got wasted many years from being hooked on drugs. I never stole or fought or bothered anyone except where drugs were involved. I had a good upbringing, great folks and was pretty well rounded growing up. I just got hooked on dope and got myself in some fights that got charged as assaults, got caught with dope and then robbed a store. Once I got clean I started a family and my son made it very easy to focus on positive stuff. I couldn’t let him down. It seems like I did an amazing thing and in ways kicking dope is but in all reality all I did was grow up and finally admit I couldn’t handle drugs. Anyways thanks for asking snd recognizing.
What boggles my mind is that you can be held in this jail without having been convicted of a crime. That's insane. The bail system needs to be scrapped altogether. You should never be punished before being convicted by a jury of your peers.
What bothers me @Kinetic Symphony (cool name BTW), is you will see a child molester/murderer bailed out and given light sentences and some young person who maybe smoked something he wasn't supposed to do or lifted some t-shirt from Forever 21 gets locked away for months while they're awaiting trial with no bail or an impossible to meet bail.
You guys know not every case goes to trial right? And more people get out on bail then you will ever know. Not every case gets seen by the public on the internet (although you can watch cases if you want to, it’s your right)
Although your comment sounds like the right thing to do, what about murderers? What about someone like Nicolas Cruz, should he have been let out on bond until he went to trial? After thinking about that situation, should everyone be released on bail before their trial? I do believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty in court, but I believe some people should be held in jail while awaiting trial. If someone is charged with a crime, they should automatically be released on bond until their found guilty unless they're a current risk to themselves or others. The question is, where is that line.
@@stang10189 The problem is that cops can arrest you & the DA can charge you with whatever they want. If proven innocent, you're still screwed because it costs months of your life & often your entire life savings to defend yourself. Meanwhile, it costs those cops and the DA nothing whatsoever. That asymmetry means that you can never win, even if innocent.
If you committed a crime why should you be able to walk free? At the beginning of covid they released tons of violent criminals and over %70 we’re ready arrested within 6 months, many for even worse crimes. Yes there does need to be reform, but criminals need to be locked up. The guy that plowed through the parade was a violent convicted felon that was released without bail two weeks before he murdered those innocent people.
Happy new year. There is something so calming about you, I could just sit here and watch you all night . I would love to see your thoughts on British prisons. From what I hear off people it’s like a holiday. Shout out from the uk.
Hey Larry, first time commenter, I’m a nurse in an Italian max security prison, I’d really like to compare the 2 with you, glad I’ve found you from Jessica Kent channel ❤️ keep it up man ! Love from Italy 💪🏼
The institutionalization that a person gets from the prison experience is one of the most interesting things. I can imagine it is very weird to get out of that kind of environment after an extended period of time and adjust to the real world. I can imagine that to do practically the same thing every single day for years and years without any sense of freedom would have a major psychological effect on people. I really do believe that recidivism and people returning to prison happens because of institutionalization.
Watched quite a few of your videos. I'm a retired LEO. Spent 2/3 of my career doing investigations - child molest, rapes and murders. But I started as a deputy working a county jail for two years. This video could not be more right on the money. There are always good and bad people, inmates or cops. I followed the very old adages - hate the sin not the sinner. Treat everyone with respect. Be very careful around those guys, especially if you don't know them. Anyway, I truly appreciate your perspective and your ability to share your story in a very balanced way. You do tell it like it is - whether some folks can handle or not, that's their tough shit. You're speaking wisdom unfortunately for you learned the hard way. Stay safe. Stay free.
Prison's I'd like to see you talk about: The "Gladiator Farm" and "Missourigate" ones from Texas. "Angola" from Louisiana. "Attica." "Alcatraz." "Fort Leavenworth" and "Gitmo" from the US Military.
Just dropping into say i think you are amazing and doing really important and needed work! Cant save them all but im happy to see people running jails that are like the guy on the show. People shouldn't be tortured into being turned into PTSD and having issues for the rest of their lives from being mistreated and sometimes people innocent to begin with and wrongly convicted more often than people realize.
I'm 3 minutes 21 seconds into this video and I can see your fighting back some heavy emotions larry. We're all here for you buddy. We'll listen to whatever you wanna say!
Back in 2007 my folks hired a bricklayer to build an extension. That brickie was a lovely bloke called Jamie. He'd previously been an armed robber. Nicest man you could meet, he was arrested when hitting a store, there was a young woman behind the counter and she wouldn't comply. She hit the emergency button, locked the doors, called the police. Jamie went down for 15 years for that. If the cashier that day were a man the event would likely have ended differently but despite waving shotguns and demanding money on threat of death, he would never hurt a child nor a woman. Like you, Larry, Jamie is open about his experiences and despite the UK system being better than the US system you experienced, he still suffered. He talks openly about the psychological impact of his experiences. He still carries a fear of heights after seeing a fellow inmate thrown over a rail, guy survived but was never the same. He still has nightmares revolving around the suicidal thoughts he experienced. Prison fucked him up but he got out, trained as a brickie and now he runs a legitimate business. It enrages me to see someone suffering like that. The guy is a great babysitter, hard worker and honest as hell yet he lost 15 years of freedom and lives with traumas all because he needed money as a younger man. Lost his dad young, his mum struggled to make ends meet so he did whatever he could. Legit employment didn't offer a teenager enough to live on so he started robbing. Never killed anyone, only hurt one guy. He's still proud that he left one place untouched when he spotted a photo of the owner with their family, ended up entirely rethinking his targets. It's hard to convey just what a lovely guy he is yet prison fucked him over. There is one good bit of hope from his experiences, he endeavours to hire ex-convicts to give them that chance on the outside, through stacking bricks he's rehabilitated more people than the system ever has.
Whenever I witness somebody express the "screw them, they are criminals" attitude I try to remind them that at any time, for any reason, the government can just decide to to send them to jail. It could be a misunderstanding, it could be a false accusation, it could even be a flat out lie or set up. Nobody is safe. Nobody. You do not have to be a criminal for the system to lock you up arbitrarily. Do not consider these people as sub human, because they could always be you next. Work for a better system and motivate yourself by imagining you or your loved ones in it. That's how I approach the argument.
@@minnalunar YEP. Example: They tried to put me away over $900 I didn't even steal. I had a case worker at social services who didn't do her job but the blame fell on me because, of course it did. My life was only worth $900 to the government and I didn't even do the crime to begin with.
Happy New Year Larry! In case you have forgotten, you and I worked on opposite sides of the fence. I am glad that you have turned your life around and are making a difference in this world. Keep it up brother and God Bless!
Larry, I discovered your channel a couple weeks ago and subscribed today. You are a strong voice in a community of people that can be easily overlooked and it shouldn't be that way. Every day I watch ur videos and you make me laugh and Make me think and reflect and consider another way of looking at something I love nothing more than hearing you say" Larry Lawton..." in 3rd person lol I love it Ur a gem xo 💎
As I told my brother once, "I stayed in school and graduated. I went to college, got my degree. But I didn't get a real education until I went to jail." The bill of rights is a memory. A vague memory. There is no "presumption of innocence". There sure as hell is no "reasonable bail." I don't know if there ever was. But there sure isn't now. That's just the cold hard reality of life.
It's amazing that Larry's able to reach so many people. We need to know about this shit, and a lot of folks have lost faith in mainstream media. He's the perfect person to bridge the gap and deliver the message.
Thank God you're still with us Larry! Hope this year is the best for you and everyone here too! I only know people who had a few months in smaller state jails. Based on their childhood trauma the drugs win sometimes they never been charged for anything violent but have hurt a few guys in self-defense. One jail here only has tiny single cells, it's only a hold over station, but the pandemic and staffing couldn't get them moved for 2 days, and just 2 days in a small cell with very low human interaction brought a lot of suicidal thoughts and past memories back. And even though they were lucky to have nice officers, anymore time in that situation could've made them take their life. It's scary to think about. I mean some inmates need to be separated, the real dangerous ones. But for the majority of them, there NEEDS be a time limit on how long inmates can be held in the box.
Hey Larry, Happy New Year! Sir Trevor McDonald has some great documentaries on maximum security prison and death row, I would love to see you check them out.
@@LarryLawtonJewelThief video about this video would be nice "Sir Trevor McDonald: inside Indiana State Maximum Security Prison | Real Stories" but it's a long documentary
I just hired an ex con. He has been the best plumbing apprentice I've had in recent years. He has motivation, a ton of creativity when things go south on the job. He did 10 years for possession of meth, first time too. I thought that was excessive. His patrol officer called him two days ago while we were on a boiler install job. He wanted to know his status, asked me to take a selfi with me in front of the old one by the van.
Great video. Full of insight, and a very charismatic presentation. Prison systems all over the world need to be reformed in order to actually help people. You're doing excellent work!
When I saw the "rec room" that really put into perspective how we treat people like animals. And that is very upsetting to see. I have a friend in jail right now most likely facing prison and its saddening that this is how he is probably gonna be treated. At the end of the day we're all humans
Honestly in a way they treat animals better than humans. You never see more people upset than when a animal is harmed. Contrast that with humans who think people get what they deserve.
I’ve been in a few jails and prison, and yeah it sucks and the whole system needs to be reformed, at the same time I can think of only a handful of people that were genuinely good people. The vast majority of them are people you wouldn’t trust to be near your family, and they deserve the absolute bare minimum. I’ve also met plenty of them that didn’t even deserve the .31 cent meals they were given.
@@HelloThere-jr6gd Kind of easy. When prosecutors withhold evidence as it's detrimental to their case, we have a problem. Their job is not to get a conviction, but to see that justice is done. We need to be suspicious of prosecutors with a 100% conviction rate.
As a former guard, and current probation officer, I can honestly say that solitary confinement really messes people up. I've seen guys really go crazy in solitary, and it's sad.
Hi Larry! I just want to say that I believe fully in your cause and your programs. I'm studying psychology to specifically help people that are locked behind bars. I believe prisoners and those in the county jail have little to no access to mental health care, and that's a basic human right, in my opinion. I hope to make a difference for these human beings on that side of things, having struggled with my own mental health when I was a teen. What you're doing is so inspiring and watching your videos always offers me great insight and education about what's really happening in these facilities. The more I know, the better I can do my job in the future! Like you always say, "I don't believe in bad people. I believe in bad choices."
This comment makes me so happy to see even in our county jail here they take most meds away or wont give them to you and then dont give you any other type of help. Its wild.
Hey Larry. I've been watching your videos for a while. I was a corrections officer for about a year at a state max in KY. This stuff I saw in person and is why I left. I couldn't treat inmates like animals like I was being told to do by the sgts and LTs. I worked Segregation for almost the full year and I saw all of this stuff
Larry-been watching your vids for a few days now but haven't replied until now. You struck a chord in me when you said, "you save somebody, you also save a future victim". Man, that's deep.
I worked in a city jail for 8 years. I was a clerk, an Institutional P.O., and my last job was as the Education Coordinator. Every job I've interviewed for since, when they ask what is the thing the best thing I accomplished in my working career, I say starting a book club in a jail. Some of those guys hadn't read a book since Jr. High. Some were barely out of Jr. High (minors charged as adults and pre-trial). We had some moments, for sure. It took a minute or two for them to get the concept that it was okay for someone else to have a different opinion from theirs without punching someone out. The whole thing might have gone way differently, but I had a guy who was being extradited back to the FBP and it only took him one time to suggest that the group needed to be a little more respectful... not going to lie, being a female in that kind of setting comes with some obstacles - from the C.O.'s as well as the inmates. After I got that back-up, Book Club became something of a status symbol. And then more people became interested in getting a GED... never forget that what might seem a small thing to you (my mom taught me to read when I was three), could be life-changing for someone else.
Glad you covered this one. I SUGGESTED Rkers a few months ago as much as I'd like to take some credit, it may just have been a coincidence but at least we think somewhat alike.
Hey Larry! I'm from Australia, been watching your videos and it is quite shocking the conditions in US prisons, deprivation of liberty is the punishment, pretty much everything else you have described is torture. You must be one of the lucky few who actually managed to reform in such places, which is a credit to you and not the justice system that seemingly worked against you for all those years. Well done mate! I hope you achieve change in the system, only one part of which is punishment, the focus should be reform.
Yeah even tho these people did messed up stuff, the prison system isn’t helping them only making them worse, they treat inmates like their animals at a zoo and that’s a problem in today’s world.
@@LarryLawtonJewelThief And they take all the mentally ill and stick them in the jails. They don’t have state mental institutions like they used too. A lot of them have shut down so there are very few anymore. It’s sad bc these people aren’t getting the treatment they need… That’s a good video idea. How the mentally ill are treated and where they go.
Happy New Year Larry!! One of the most eye-opening experiences I had last year was discovering your channel. Thank you for all that you do to raise awareness on these heavy topics. A question I have is, Do you know if there are things the average person can do to help bring a bit of kindness and compassion to current inmates? Are things like writing letters or sending small care packages allowed?
Hey Larry! Been watching for a while and love your stuff. When I was in middle school, my class wrote letters to inmates for Christmas. Did you ever receive something like that/see people receive things like that, and did it help at all or come off as kids who don't know what they are talking about?
"people (correction officers) who have a lot of power over another human being -- and with that power's gotta come responsibility" Very Well Said -- Gonna be calling him Uncle Larry from now on
im a correctional officer in germany and i follow your channel for quite some time now. while the system in the US is very different from ours, its yet interresting to watch. i really like your attitude. keep up your work. thanks
Hey Larry, love your content! I've been looking to pick up your book but with how much i work its hard to find time to read. Any chance you'll do an audio book someday? Your story telling is amazing and would love to hear you read it.
I consider myself a Libertarian leaning conservative. With that, the fact we strip the liberty, rights and futures from people because they were self medicating is just crazy.
War on Drugs is a failed idea doomed from before it even started. No government will ever be able to stop drugs. It has only created a black market, spread misinformation about drugs, and ruined otherwise innocent peoples lives by taking their rights and throwing them into prison with very dangerous people (murderers, rapists, etc). Not to mention the racket that is private prisons, sending non-violent young people to fill them up and make some corrupt corporation rich. Decriminalization and education about drugs is necessary to reduce harm. Making something "bad" makes people want to try it even more. Possession or use of drugs shouldn't be illegal. Crimes committed while intoxicated or other crimes surrounding drugs (driving, theft, murder, etc.) obviously should remain illegal.
What about the violent ones? The rapists and killer and robbers? The ones with 35 arrests and tons of convictions? Do they deserve life liberty and the pursuit or happiness?
Larry I live in Thailand. A Thai prison has 200 guys in 1 cell in 110 degree heat! Its never below 90 degrees in Thailand! Imagine that! Any drug related convictions is 50 years in prison! They don't fuck around here!
That's pretty much the standard belief, but ignore who deserves it or not, government just shouldn't have that power. It's so much simpler to just know your government isn't torturing, and murdering people. Nobody trusts government, why let them make those decisions? Constantly reading about innocent getting done wrong, got miles of rows of inmates suffering because they tried to self medicate. If you want your government to torture people, draft a bill approving waterboarding or something, don't just let them run prisons like their own little experiments.
Hey Larry, have you ever read 'The Lucifer effect' by Philip Zimbardo? It's the guy who conducted the Stanford prison experiment and it's about how the system breeds and fosters abuse regardless of how 'good' the guards were before. Amazing book and I'm sure someone has put you onto it but I've never heard you speak about it even though you've reached similar conclusions.
Hey Larry, 2 videos ago you said Germany does not punish escaping from prison. While that is correct, I just want to point out that there are other charges that come with an escape. You bribe someone to let you leave? That's a charge. You cut through bars or wires? That's a vandalism charge. Assuming you do escape without damaging or bribing anyone, well, you'll be charged with theft as you took prison clothing with you. So if you want to legally escape, you have to do it without damaging anything, without hurting or bribing anyone, and you have to do it nude (yes, including underwear). But there is a problem. Assuming you escape nude - that's causing a public disturbance which is also a misdemeanor. So whatever you do, you will not escape without breaking some kind of other law.
I changed my life fast. I was in juvenile jail in Houston. I’m now employed at halliburton taking care of my family while going to school. Life’s too short to fuck up your life and go somehwere like this. Now I wasn’t in county or prison but I can tell you those youngins in jjc in Houston were hard. I was next to 15 year old killers with some 4 bodies deep. I wonder about some of those kids I pray that they made a change in life that their alive and well. I love your channel I love how you flip on the two different sides of prison reform. I saw fucking juvenile officers selling xans. Completely fucking sick then I kept my mouth shut. Now what can I do or say it wouldn’t go no where…. Shits sad. But brother I’m glad you’re doing good and I support your cause!
Since 93 was in rikers island many times and couldn’t believe the bad treatment from beginning to end, I put a lot of work in the island many times was there for criminal possession of a weapon assault in attempted murder on a fugitive warrant to New Jersey and that place was the worst. At least the guards will offer you a fair one there so many standings if you’re not good with your knuckle game there, you don’t belong theresame place in Patterson New Jersey Passaic County Jail. I was at I couldn’t also believe it both places you’re in reception for 31 hours sitting there waiting to get processed. It was insane. Great topic great show.
I was a corrections officer in a jail and with the BOP. The system is so broken. I got paid to be in the BOP and I got treated better in the Marines. The inmates are the easy part, it’s the staff and administration that will crush your soul.
Yep just another breed of thugs with badges that's it nothing but trash
Bro……you left the Marines to become a fucking Corrections Officer??
@@j.rivera6402 maybe he left the marine and became a corrections officer, i dont think he left TO become one^^
@@j.rivera6402Maybe they served their time in the Marines and then wanted to continue that kind of work so then they became a CO. I met a man who served in Vietnam then went to serve in the local prison
@@j.rivera6402 The day I got out of the Marine Corps in the 1980s, I wanted to be employed ASAP, and I felt that with my experience that corrections was the only path. Fortunately, the lady at the unemployment office looked at me funny and said, "Don't you have any other experience?" I mentioned some other things and one of those qualified me to get interviewed at an engineering firm her husband worked for, and I was hired on the spot the next day.
Point is, I was a hair's breadth from being a corrections officer if that lady had been on break when it was my turn at the window. I was very lucky that day.
My husband is a retired CO of 20 years. He can tell you that it’s not the inmates that you have to worry about, it’s the other CO’s all the way to the warden that you have the problems with. As long as you’re consistent with the rules and treat the inmates with respect, they will respect you. The prisons need to be changed from the directors all the way down.
That's deep
The same way they respect people and laws that got them to prison to begin with?
Isn't amazing how people that hurt others, stab them, rob them, kidnap them, shoot them, beat them, rape them, etc etc have so much to say, so much to complain after they are removed from the rest of us. After the doors are locked behind them they become civil rights advocates and legal experts. Do they give a damn about the gas station that they beat and killed ? Do they think about the woman that they raped when she was on the way home ? Do they care that the truck driver they stabbed left children behind ? Do they ?
@@kylegross1081shut your mouth
I knew a guy 20yr ago at Rikers that would openly fight inmates on the regular. I mean take off his belt, square up his 6'4" ass and go to town. Were not friends anymore.
Larry, long time viewer, first time commenter. I really appreciate your outreach and you are a man who practices what he preaches. I hope this year brings you happiness. Thank you for what you do sir!
My great uncle who recently passed was a career Correctional Officer, had the saddest stories about inmates. He always said prisons need change. He said he met some of the best people in inmates.
"You're saving a future victim" made me pause this video and think and Larry you are totally right. Thank you for giving me a better perspective on this difficult subject.
of course... many people forget prison shouldn't just be a punishment, it should be an opportunity to show people who had tough lives that there's more than pain and struggle in the world. prison should be based around rehabilitation NOT punishment.
@@Writeous0ne you can’t disagree that for most prisoners in these max prisons deserve punishment. The effect some of them have had on their victims that scars them for life.
@@TheGreenHornet1212 most criminals come from poverty. they are a product of their environment. if you give a guy 20 years of shit do you really think hes going to come out of prison a better person?
@@Writeous0ne doesn’t matter you’re environment in the end. People use that as an excuse to do bad things but you decide your own path, shitty decisions deserve shitty consequences. Maybe not rakers island specifically since it is a jail and not prison. But a lot of the people in prison deserve the punishment they’re getting. I’d suggest you look into some of the reasons why these people are in prison. Some really disgusting stuff if you ask me
@@TheGreenHornet1212 theres a cause and effect relationship between convicts and poverty, broken homes, abuse etc. this has been proven by research.
its also been proven that countries who have more lenient prison systems and better rehab programs have lower reoffending rates.
just having their freedom away and the connotations of being convicted is the punishment... so you can have your own opinion about them but the science has been done.
rehabilitating prisoners is way more effective than just locking them up and treating them like shit...
Wow...I can’t believe this is the first of your videos I’ve ever seen.
I volunteered in Philly City prisons for four years, and I cannot even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your commentary. SO on point and the fact that you have first hand experience adds so much value to your videos. Thank you for what you’re doing. I can’t wait to read your book!
You’re the man Larry! Seeing you rebuild your life & help others makes me really hopeful that I can do the same for myself
Good luck my man
Facts🙌🏽🙏🏽
You can do it bro.
You can do it my friend!
Appreciate y’all have a blessed year
On the question of prison guards let me say this. I had a relative in prison that I would visit every 7 to 10 days without failure for 5 years. Most of the correction officers we're just fine and just doing their jobs. Some of them went out of their way to be absolutely problematic and miserable. I met a few that were so nice that I'll never forget them. The main correctional officer in the visitors room he and I actually became what I would call friends. He retired about a year before my relative got out and I was the only visitor that knew he was going to retire also he asked me not to even tell my relative because that information was not supposed to get out. His retirement was a joyous occasion but also a little sad that I was losing a friend. He said to me I would give you my phone number to stay in touch but believe it or not if they found out I could lose my pension. He was a great guy that I still think about them wonder how he is doing. I don't know why I felt the need to share this but I did. Take care
@Fragarbai
I hear you but I have to say almost every C O that I discussed and spoke about to my relative agreed with my assessment.
Almost. Take care
Be careful the prison could be watching and take his pension even today...
I really think that the part where they talk about treating the inmates like animals is because some guys really do behave like freaking animals. Especially in prisons like that.
Ur talking about co officers who have to always be on their best behaviors cuz of working the visitor room
@@Damc3808
No I am not. I'm taking about some good people in spite of the job they held . Some were absolutely dic heads
Omg seeing you do videos with your TH-cam stuff framed behind you literally brought me to tears. I personally have no experience with the prison system or jail, but I so strongly believe that people can change and that we are meant to be loving and kind beings. I'm so happy to see you doing well and trying to help and educate people.
yes, we are :) we would be if we had a better government
@andreasiven21 better government how?
Thanks! I appreciate you and what you channel is doing to help make our prisons better.
We need more people like you around. My mom is a retired police officer from Margate Florida. Maybe you could teach more people about what prison is really like. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences.
I respect you a lot for sharing your journey with people, for helping them get through situations and probably even saving lives. Keep the amazing work man, I love it
The most insitful perspective ever on this subject. I've got a son doing federal time and this guy is great. Thanks Larry for you videos. God bless you.
Everytime I watch one of Larry's videos,I walk away feeling smarter and always learn something.we need more you tubers like this!!
Larry... you even make life on the outside better for someone who has done exactly 1 hour in a holding cell in his entire life. I didn't pay a fine...years later I had a taillight out, boom, arrested. That was terrifying for a kid. ...The topics you cover are genuinely prying my eyes open further than I could've imagined. I hope your crusade to make positive changes goes as far as it really should. Love you. Genuine man.
Hi Larry my uncle is in a prison serving letters and watching your videos makes me feel close to him. Love the work keep it up
I appreciate how you keep it real, and don't bullshit us. You aren't belligerent about what you've done, especially in comparison to others in that life that blow shit outta perspective in regard to their status in that life. You've pulled more licks than most of those "heavyweights" that like to talk about the shit they've done/do. You're a humble dude. Good luck, brother.
Hey larry, long time fan. I love that you give everyone their time of day regardless of what they are into. For all of you out there, be more larry, and know it's never to late
As being a CO I have found being respectful and treating offenders with dignity goes a long way. Also keeping your word. When I work a shift I hardly ever have any problems anymore, just doing those things help gain respect and makes the day a lot easier.
for someone who got a Second chance, when i shouldn't of.. i'm so happy to be here and YT Channels like Larrys help me cope and understand my past and iv been watching for 3 years and you have truly opened my mind
I love how you take a negative word....CONVICT....and turn it to a word of strength..of power
Hey Larry just wanna share my experience from one former inmate to another I did five years in California state penitentiary and your videos really bring some memories of stuff that I've seen when I was in prison love your content brother
I hope youre doing well everyone. My year is starting off better than 2020/2021. Good to watch your videos again, Larry! You rock!
Mr. Lawton - great video! Loved your insights and comments on the current "correctional" system. Great way to start the year and I wish you great success in your work this year to bring change to a broken system.
Spent 14 years in Missouri max joints. I made a vow to fight for better healthcare for inmates due to some things I witnessed inside. After I got out though, life happened and I forgot the vow I made myself. Today I’m a respected member of my community, own businesses and homes. Seeing your videos made me remember what I need to do. Would love to get connected with ways to reform prisons. I actually called today to try to find out if CMS is still the outsourced medical company. I got the run around but I’m on this now so I’ll find out everything I need to know.
Just out of curiosity, what kind of businesses do you own?
@@sweetrapture1 a graphic design agency, a screen printing company, a sign shop and a print house art outsource company. My screen printing company is the number one shop in a huge metro area. I employ 25 people and nine graphic designers. I went back to school and got a degree in graphic design myself after building a self-sufficient print and sign shop.
@@activistsupply6635 Wow, you really turned your life around.
@@sweetrapture1 thanks. I really did. I’m a case of someone with a ton of potential that got wasted many years from being hooked on drugs. I never stole or fought or bothered anyone except where drugs were involved. I had a good upbringing, great folks and was pretty well rounded growing up. I just got hooked on dope and got myself in some fights that got charged as assaults, got caught with dope and then robbed a store. Once I got clean I started a family and my son made it very easy to focus on positive stuff. I couldn’t let him down. It seems like I did an amazing thing and in ways kicking dope is but in all reality all I did was grow up and finally admit I couldn’t handle drugs. Anyways thanks for asking snd recognizing.
What boggles my mind is that you can be held in this jail without having been convicted of a crime. That's insane. The bail system needs to be scrapped altogether. You should never be punished before being convicted by a jury of your peers.
What bothers me @Kinetic Symphony (cool name BTW), is you will see a child molester/murderer bailed out and given light sentences and some young person who maybe smoked something he wasn't supposed to do or lifted some t-shirt from Forever 21 gets locked away for months while they're awaiting trial with no bail or an impossible to meet bail.
You guys know not every case goes to trial right? And more people get out on bail then you will ever know. Not every case gets seen by the public on the internet (although you can watch cases if you want to, it’s your right)
Although your comment sounds like the right thing to do, what about murderers? What about someone like Nicolas Cruz, should he have been let out on bond until he went to trial? After thinking about that situation, should everyone be released on bail before their trial? I do believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty in court, but I believe some people should be held in jail while awaiting trial. If someone is charged with a crime, they should automatically be released on bond until their found guilty unless they're a current risk to themselves or others. The question is, where is that line.
@@stang10189 The problem is that cops can arrest you & the DA can charge you with whatever they want. If proven innocent, you're still screwed because it costs months of your life & often your entire life savings to defend yourself.
Meanwhile, it costs those cops and the DA nothing whatsoever.
That asymmetry means that you can never win, even if innocent.
If you committed a crime why should you be able to walk free? At the beginning of covid they released tons of violent criminals and over %70 we’re ready arrested within 6 months, many for even worse crimes. Yes there does need to be reform, but criminals need to be locked up. The guy that plowed through the parade was a violent convicted felon that was released without bail two weeks before he murdered those innocent people.
I don't care what your videos are titled, I love them all for the stories you go off on rabbit trails with. Keep it up.
Good man.
Happy new year. There is something so calming about you, I could just sit here and watch you all night .
I would love to see your thoughts on British prisons. From what I hear off people it’s like a holiday.
Shout out from the uk.
Retired CO here. Big fan of yours Larry. Keep up the great clips.
Hey Larry, first time commenter, I’m a nurse in an Italian max security prison, I’d really like to compare the 2 with you, glad I’ve found you from Jessica Kent channel ❤️ keep it up man ! Love from Italy 💪🏼
Ciao Bella
The institutionalization that a person gets from the prison experience is one of the most interesting things. I can imagine it is very weird to get out of that kind of environment after an extended period of time and adjust to the real world. I can imagine that to do practically the same thing every single day for years and years without any sense of freedom would have a major psychological effect on people. I really do believe that recidivism and people returning to prison happens because of institutionalization.
Love what you’re doing with this channel Larry! This kind of attitude is what leads to real change! Keep it up!💯
Watched quite a few of your videos. I'm a retired LEO. Spent 2/3 of my career doing investigations - child molest, rapes and murders. But I started as a deputy working a county jail for two years. This video could not be more right on the money. There are always good and bad people, inmates or cops. I followed the very old adages - hate the sin not the sinner. Treat everyone with respect. Be very careful around those guys, especially if you don't know them. Anyway, I truly appreciate your perspective and your ability to share your story in a very balanced way. You do tell it like it is - whether some folks can handle or not, that's their tough shit. You're speaking wisdom unfortunately for you learned the hard way. Stay safe. Stay free.
Larry, please keep trying for prison reform. We need to change things for the better of all.
I will never change trying
Prison's I'd like to see you talk about:
The "Gladiator Farm" and "Missourigate" ones from Texas.
"Angola" from Louisiana.
"Attica."
"Alcatraz."
"Fort Leavenworth" and "Gitmo" from the US Military.
Just dropping into say i think you are amazing and doing really important and needed work! Cant save them all but im happy to see people running jails that are like the guy on the show. People shouldn't be tortured into being turned into PTSD and having issues for the rest of their lives from being mistreated and sometimes people innocent to begin with and wrongly convicted more often than people realize.
You are awesome!
I'm 3 minutes 21 seconds into this video and I can see your fighting back some heavy emotions larry. We're all here for you buddy. We'll listen to whatever you wanna say!
Hi Larry happy new year keep going with the amazing and inspirational content.
Happy New Year to you as well. Thanks
Back in 2007 my folks hired a bricklayer to build an extension. That brickie was a lovely bloke called Jamie. He'd previously been an armed robber. Nicest man you could meet, he was arrested when hitting a store, there was a young woman behind the counter and she wouldn't comply. She hit the emergency button, locked the doors, called the police. Jamie went down for 15 years for that. If the cashier that day were a man the event would likely have ended differently but despite waving shotguns and demanding money on threat of death, he would never hurt a child nor a woman.
Like you, Larry, Jamie is open about his experiences and despite the UK system being better than the US system you experienced, he still suffered. He talks openly about the psychological impact of his experiences. He still carries a fear of heights after seeing a fellow inmate thrown over a rail, guy survived but was never the same. He still has nightmares revolving around the suicidal thoughts he experienced. Prison fucked him up but he got out, trained as a brickie and now he runs a legitimate business. It enrages me to see someone suffering like that. The guy is a great babysitter, hard worker and honest as hell yet he lost 15 years of freedom and lives with traumas all because he needed money as a younger man. Lost his dad young, his mum struggled to make ends meet so he did whatever he could. Legit employment didn't offer a teenager enough to live on so he started robbing. Never killed anyone, only hurt one guy. He's still proud that he left one place untouched when he spotted a photo of the owner with their family, ended up entirely rethinking his targets. It's hard to convey just what a lovely guy he is yet prison fucked him over.
There is one good bit of hope from his experiences, he endeavours to hire ex-convicts to give them that chance on the outside, through stacking bricks he's rehabilitated more people than the system ever has.
Whenever I witness somebody express the "screw them, they are criminals" attitude I try to remind them that at any time, for any reason, the government can just decide to to send them to jail. It could be a misunderstanding, it could be a false accusation, it could even be a flat out lie or set up. Nobody is safe. Nobody. You do not have to be a criminal for the system to lock you up arbitrarily.
Do not consider these people as sub human, because they could always be you next. Work for a better system and motivate yourself by imagining you or your loved ones in it. That's how I approach the argument.
not only that, but they can suffer through this stuff for non-violent crimes like drug charges or tax evasion or something
@@minnalunar YEP. Example: They tried to put me away over $900 I didn't even steal. I had a case worker at social services who didn't do her job but the blame fell on me because, of course it did. My life was only worth $900 to the government and I didn't even do the crime to begin with.
Your prison system is also very broken in america!
@Big Killer Whale
Captain Obvious to the bridge!
Calling Captain Obvious to the bridge!
And where might you be from, Captain Obvious?
I wish more people thought this way
Happy New Year Larry! In case you have forgotten, you and I worked on opposite sides of the fence. I am glad that you have turned your life around and are making a difference in this world. Keep it up brother and God Bless!
Peace to you my friend. I love watching your videos and hearing your stories. 🇺🇸🦅
Larry, I discovered your channel a couple weeks ago and subscribed today. You are a strong voice in a community of people that can be easily overlooked and it shouldn't be that way.
Every day I watch ur videos and you make me laugh and Make me think and reflect and consider another way of looking at something
I love nothing more than hearing you say" Larry Lawton..." in 3rd person lol I love it
Ur a gem xo 💎
Another quality clip with topnotch commentary!! Thank you sir!!!
As I told my brother once, "I stayed in school and graduated. I went to college, got my degree. But I didn't get a real education until I went to jail."
The bill of rights is a memory. A vague memory. There is no "presumption of innocence". There sure as hell is no "reasonable bail." I don't know if there ever was. But there sure isn't now. That's just the cold hard reality of life.
I knew there was no presumption of innocence before I even turned 18 and found myself in a kangaroo court.
Larry. I just discovered your channel. Very insightful. Thank you for what you are doing. You are certainly a SURVIVOR.
Hey Larry! Been a big fan and I enjoy all your videos and I and we all appreiciate the amazing content keep up the great work. Happy new year!
Thank you and happy new year.
You’ve done some amazing and informative videos, but for me this is the best I’ve watched.
Hey larry love the content your videos are always interesting and i love watching em and your an inspiration to everyone
Thanks, I appreciatethat
@@LarryLawtonJewelThief no problem
Always love to hear your input Larry! Keep it up!
It's amazing that Larry's able to reach so many people. We need to know about this shit, and a lot of folks have lost faith in mainstream media. He's the perfect person to bridge the gap and deliver the message.
Keep spreading the word about these injustices and complex issues. Go you brother!
Thank God you're still with us Larry! Hope this year is the best for you and everyone here too! I only know people who had a few months in smaller state jails. Based on their childhood trauma the drugs win sometimes they never been charged for anything violent but have hurt a few guys in self-defense. One jail here only has tiny single cells, it's only a hold over station, but the pandemic and staffing couldn't get them moved for 2 days, and just 2 days in a small cell with very low human interaction brought a lot of suicidal thoughts and past memories back. And even though they were lucky to have nice officers, anymore time in that situation could've made them take their life. It's scary to think about. I mean some inmates need to be separated, the real dangerous ones. But for the majority of them, there NEEDS be a time limit on how long inmates can be held in the box.
I’ve been binge watching all of your videos recently and loving the content. Keep it up.
Hey Larry, Happy New Year! Sir Trevor McDonald has some great documentaries on maximum security prison and death row, I would love to see you check them out.
I will look them up
@@LarryLawtonJewelThief video about this video would be nice "Sir Trevor McDonald: inside Indiana State Maximum Security Prison | Real Stories" but it's a long documentary
Accidentally came across your website and immediately subscribed. Thank you for making a fair assessment
I just hired an ex con.
He has been the best plumbing apprentice I've had in recent years.
He has motivation, a ton of creativity when things go south on the job.
He did 10 years for possession of meth, first time too. I thought that was excessive.
His patrol officer called him two days ago while we were on a boiler install job. He wanted to know his status, asked me to take a selfi with me in front of the old one by the van.
Drug related sentences have always been completely over the top. Props to you for hiring an ex con, not many do, especially with drug charges
you're a genuine journalist, Larry. you GO GET those insider views!
Great video. Full of insight, and a very charismatic presentation. Prison systems all over the world need to be reformed in order to actually help people. You're doing excellent work!
Awesome video as always and happy New Years to you as well
When I saw the "rec room" that really put into perspective how we treat people like animals. And that is very upsetting to see.
I have a friend in jail right now most likely facing prison and its saddening that this is how he is probably gonna be treated. At the end of the day we're all humans
Honestly in a way they treat animals better than humans. You never see more people upset than when a animal is harmed. Contrast that with humans who think people get what they deserve.
We don't even treat rabid dogs like that, it's sickening
I’ve been in a few jails and prison, and yeah it sucks and the whole system needs to be reformed, at the same time I can think of only a handful of people that were genuinely good people. The vast majority of them are people you wouldn’t trust to be near your family, and they deserve the absolute bare minimum. I’ve also met plenty of them that didn’t even deserve the .31 cent meals they were given.
Don't end up in jail. Pretty easy.
@@HelloThere-jr6gd Kind of easy. When prosecutors withhold evidence as it's detrimental to their case, we have a problem. Their job is not to get a conviction, but to see that justice is done. We need to be suspicious of prosecutors with a 100% conviction rate.
Watching these videos really scare me, but they are very informative.
As a former guard, and current probation officer, I can honestly say that solitary confinement really messes people up. I've seen guys really go crazy in solitary, and it's sad.
You are very articulate, experienced and fair. Thank you for your videos.
Hi Larry! I just want to say that I believe fully in your cause and your programs. I'm studying psychology to specifically help people that are locked behind bars. I believe prisoners and those in the county jail have little to no access to mental health care, and that's a basic human right, in my opinion. I hope to make a difference for these human beings on that side of things, having struggled with my own mental health when I was a teen. What you're doing is so inspiring and watching your videos always offers me great insight and education about what's really happening in these facilities. The more I know, the better I can do my job in the future! Like you always say, "I don't believe in bad people. I believe in bad choices."
This comment makes me so happy to see even in our county jail here they take most meds away or wont give them to you and then dont give you any other type of help. Its wild.
You rock brother! Thank you!
At 10:58 the guy those cops pinning dude on his knees against the wall, really thought that was big herc from fresh out for a second lol
Keep doing what you're doing Larry! We could use a million more like you!
Hi Larry I’m currently in prison watching your videos their helping me a lot thanks brother
Hey Larry. I've been watching your videos for a while. I was a corrections officer for about a year at a state max in KY. This stuff I saw in person and is why I left. I couldn't treat inmates like animals like I was being told to do by the sgts and LTs. I worked Segregation for almost the full year and I saw all of this stuff
Larry-been watching your vids for a few days now but haven't replied until now. You struck a chord in me when you said, "you save somebody, you also save a future victim". Man, that's deep.
I worked in a city jail for 8 years. I was a clerk, an Institutional P.O., and my last job was as the Education Coordinator. Every job I've interviewed for since, when they ask what is the thing the best thing I accomplished in my working career, I say starting a book club in a jail. Some of those guys hadn't read a book since Jr. High. Some were barely out of Jr. High (minors charged as adults and pre-trial). We had some moments, for sure. It took a minute or two for them to get the concept that it was okay for someone else to have a different opinion from theirs without punching someone out. The whole thing might have gone way differently, but I had a guy who was being extradited back to the FBP and it only took him one time to suggest that the group needed to be a little more respectful... not going to lie, being a female in that kind of setting comes with some obstacles - from the C.O.'s as well as the inmates. After I got that back-up, Book Club became something of a status symbol. And then more people became interested in getting a GED... never forget that what might seem a small thing to you (my mom taught me to read when I was three), could be life-changing for someone else.
Glad you covered this one. I SUGGESTED Rkers a few months ago as much as I'd like to take some credit, it may just have been a coincidence but at least we think somewhat alike.
Hey Larry! I'm from Australia, been watching your videos and it is quite shocking the conditions in US prisons, deprivation of liberty is the punishment, pretty much everything else you have described is torture. You must be one of the lucky few who actually managed to reform in such places, which is a credit to you and not the justice system that seemingly worked against you for all those years. Well done mate! I hope you achieve change in the system, only one part of which is punishment, the focus should be reform.
Amazing video Larry, great content
Yeah even tho these people did messed up stuff, the prison system isn’t helping them only making them worse, they treat inmates like their animals at a zoo and that’s a problem in today’s world.
Sadly, we have the worst prison system in the world
@@LarryLawtonJewelThief And they take all the mentally ill and stick them in the jails. They don’t have state mental institutions like they used too. A lot of them have shut down so there are very few anymore. It’s sad bc these people aren’t getting the treatment they need… That’s a good video idea. How the mentally ill are treated and where they go.
Your videos are addicting Mr Lawton. Wish you the best.
Happy New Year Larry!! One of the most eye-opening experiences I had last year was discovering your channel. Thank you for all that you do to raise awareness on these heavy topics. A question I have is, Do you know if there are things the average person can do to help bring a bit of kindness and compassion to current inmates? Are things like writing letters or sending small care packages allowed?
You should do more videos like this one!
Another great video, keep it up Larry. I love the book!
Hey Larry! Been watching for a while and love your stuff. When I was in middle school, my class wrote letters to inmates for Christmas. Did you ever receive something like that/see people receive things like that, and did it help at all or come off as kids who don't know what they are talking about?
I never did but hear dof that and I like it. They are human you know.
That’s a great idea. So many prisoners don’t receive any mail. So this is nice, especially around Christmas..
@@LarryLawtonJewelThief I always wondered what they would do in case of a fire?
@@LarryLawtonJewelThief you should do a video on the Ghislaine Maxwell trial.
Gangster redemption should be in every jail and prison, great read
"people (correction officers) who have a lot of power over another human being -- and with that power's gotta come responsibility"
Very Well Said -- Gonna be calling him Uncle Larry from now on
im a correctional officer in germany and i follow your channel for quite some time now. while the system in the US is very different from ours, its yet interresting to watch. i really like your attitude. keep up your work. thanks
Hey Larry, love your content! I've been looking to pick up your book but with how much i work its hard to find time to read. Any chance you'll do an audio book someday? Your story telling is amazing and would love to hear you read it.
His book is available as an audible book on Spotify
Hittite
Preach! Love your passion and honesty.
I consider myself a Libertarian leaning conservative. With that, the fact we strip the liberty, rights and futures from people because they were self medicating is just crazy.
War on Drugs is a failed idea doomed from before it even started. No government will ever be able to stop drugs. It has only created a black market, spread misinformation about drugs, and ruined otherwise innocent peoples lives by taking their rights and throwing them into prison with very dangerous people (murderers, rapists, etc). Not to mention the racket that is private prisons, sending non-violent young people to fill them up and make some corrupt corporation rich.
Decriminalization and education about drugs is necessary to reduce harm. Making something "bad" makes people want to try it even more. Possession or use of drugs shouldn't be illegal. Crimes committed while intoxicated or other crimes surrounding drugs (driving, theft, murder, etc.) obviously should remain illegal.
What about the violent ones? The rapists and killer and robbers? The ones with 35 arrests and tons of convictions? Do they deserve life liberty and the pursuit or happiness?
@@seangannon6081 Did I include any of those in my original comment?
Larry I live in Thailand. A Thai prison has 200 guys in 1 cell in 110 degree heat! Its never below 90 degrees in Thailand! Imagine that! Any drug related convictions is 50 years in prison! They don't fuck around here!
"I'm gonna start of this video in a positive way: About the most violent prison, Rikers Island"
-Larry
Always do that
Your videos are great! Keep up the amazing work!
With how bad jail / prison is, people are still lining up to get there. No one learns the lesson until they learn the lesson.
People actually KEEP going back.
Love these documentary/news report reviews.
I’ve done time in jails and prison, and the majority of guys I met absolutely deserve to be kept in there. I’ve met some that don’t even deserve that.
That's pretty much the standard belief, but ignore who deserves it or not, government just shouldn't have that power. It's so much simpler to just know your government isn't torturing, and murdering people. Nobody trusts government, why let them make those decisions? Constantly reading about innocent getting done wrong, got miles of rows of inmates suffering because they tried to self medicate. If you want your government to torture people, draft a bill approving waterboarding or something, don't just let them run prisons like their own little experiments.
The infamous Rikers Isle! Im from NYC. Know all about that place.
Hey Larry, have you ever read 'The Lucifer effect' by Philip Zimbardo? It's the guy who conducted the Stanford prison experiment and it's about how the system breeds and fosters abuse regardless of how 'good' the guards were before. Amazing book and I'm sure someone has put you onto it but I've never heard you speak about it even though you've reached similar conclusions.
Good work Larry 💪
Respect, from North Florida
Hey Larry, 2 videos ago you said Germany does not punish escaping from prison. While that is correct, I just want to point out that there are other charges that come with an escape. You bribe someone to let you leave? That's a charge. You cut through bars or wires? That's a vandalism charge. Assuming you do escape without damaging or bribing anyone, well, you'll be charged with theft as you took prison clothing with you. So if you want to legally escape, you have to do it without damaging anything, without hurting or bribing anyone, and you have to do it nude (yes, including underwear). But there is a problem. Assuming you escape nude - that's causing a public disturbance which is also a misdemeanor. So whatever you do, you will not escape without breaking some kind of other law.
Good info but not an escape charge. They realize it is human to do that
@@LarryLawtonJewelThief That's correct.
@@danieljohnson665 Believe me, you guys are a lot better than the US
@@LarryLawtonJewelThief In regards to the justice system and prisons, yes definitely.
@@danieljohnson665 German prisons are terrible aswell. You put way to many people in a cell, gruss aus Holland.
I changed my life fast. I was in juvenile jail in Houston. I’m now employed at halliburton taking care of my family while going to school. Life’s too short to fuck up your life and go somehwere like this. Now I wasn’t in county or prison but I can tell you those youngins in jjc in Houston were hard. I was next to 15 year old killers with some 4 bodies deep. I wonder about some of those kids I pray that they made a change in life that their alive and well. I love your channel I love how you flip on the two different sides of prison reform. I saw fucking juvenile officers selling xans. Completely fucking sick then I kept my mouth shut. Now what can I do or say it wouldn’t go no where…. Shits sad. But brother I’m glad you’re doing good and I support your cause!
Larry is a legend
Thank you and Happy New Year
Always good to watch these videos for some perspective
The worst thing about this to me is that these people are accused but not yet given a chance at trial.
It’s literally guilty until proven innocent.
Since 93 was in rikers island many times and couldn’t believe the bad treatment from beginning to end, I put a lot of work in the island many times was there for criminal possession of a weapon assault in attempted murder on a fugitive warrant to New Jersey and that place was the worst. At least the guards will offer you a fair one there so many standings if you’re not good with your knuckle game there, you don’t belong theresame place in Patterson New Jersey Passaic County Jail. I was at I couldn’t also believe it both places you’re in reception for 31 hours sitting there waiting to get processed. It was insane. Great topic great show.