How dangerous are prisons in America?

Answer 1

Pelican Bay State Prison opened in 1989 and houses some of the most dangerous inmates. There are 3,301 prisoners and 99% of them are level 4 Maximum Security risks. The prison is well guarded and located in the NW part of the State near Crescent City, Del Norte, County on 275 acres. There is a Security House Unit where super max inmates that are gang members; prisoners with a prior history of violence, crimes within prison; history of violence or crimes or serious rule violations within the prison system and other prisoners presenting problems with in the prison and management (in other words, hard to handle guys with nothing to lose.) These inmates are held 22.5 hours per day in very plain cells and one hour alone in a small indoor exercise yard. They are only allowed a radio to listen too or TV. All other pleasures are not allowed. Prison gangs such as Aryan Brotherhood and Nuestra Familia have direct communications within the Prison and have a great deal of control. There are prisoner advocates that argue the inmates are treated with 'cruel and unusual punishment' due to lack of activity, not being able to go outside in natural light and lack of stimulation. Psychological studies have shown similarities to post-traumatic stress which leads to serious depression. Some cases are pending to date.